Skip to main content

Full text of "An Account Of The British Wars With Persia From Occupation"

See other formats 


Confidential. 


A/I Jin 


nr 


■AJiTsA. CCOFNT 


OP THE 


BRITISH WARS WITH PERSIA 


FROM THE 


/ 


OCCUPATION OF KHARAJ IN 1838, 


TOGETHER WITH A 


PRECIS OF CONTEMPORANEOUS EVENTS AND ABSTRACTS 
OF IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE 


CONNECTED WITH 

THE WAR OF 1856-57. 


PREPARED IN THE INTELLIGENCE BRANCH OF THE QUARTER 
MASTER GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT IN INDIA 


BY* 


Major (Brevet Lieut.-Colonel) Mark S. BELL, v.c., r.e. 

DEPUTY QUARTER MASTER GENERAL. \ ^ 

{r88 5 ). 



SIMLA: 

PRINTED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, GOVERNMENT CENTRAL PRESS. 



1889. 


— .....I—.— ' - 


Bs 



SIHIA .* rriNTED ST THE RUPEE IS TUS BENT, 
0OVEEJTMETT CENTRAL PEERS.. 




CONTENTS. 


. CHAPTEB I. page, 

Delations with Persia fbom the time of Fatah Auf Shah to the 
fTAB OF 1856-57, AND CONTEMPORANEOUS HISTOEY OF HERAT AFFAIRS , 1 

CHAPTEB II. 

Precis of the operations connected with the Persian' war of 1856-57 12 

CHAPTEB III. 

Detailed account of the Persian war of 1850-57 , . , is 


APPENDICES TO CHAPTER II L 

Appendix A. Despatches ; details of actions and extracts from reports concerning 

the movements and numbers of the enemy 61 

„ B. — Extracts from correspondence relating to the object and the plan 

of the campaign and its conduct . . . . , log 

„ C. — Intelligence collected relating to Bnshire and Aluhammarah and 

the adjacent coast districts . . * . . , 125 

>» P* — Extracts relating to the neutralization of the coast Shaikhs and 

the enlistment of the coast tribes in our service . . , 148 

>» E. — Extracts relating to the acquisition of intelligence and the forma- 
tion of an Intelligence Department ..... 154 

j» E. — Extracts relating to the composition and despatch of the force . 101 

jj G* — Extracts relating to the Laud Transport Corps and transport 

generally . . . . 200 

» H* — Extracts relating to the transport of horses by sea and horse 

transport fittings. . . 210 

99 1* — Extracts relating to the camp followers and establishments . , 217 

„ J. — Extracts relating to the Engineer Park, temporary and permanent 

barracks and hospitals ........ 222 

„ E . — Extracts relating to the hospitals and carriage of the sick . , 2S7 

« E, — Extracts relating to the supply of necessaries and provisions to 

the force 256 

„ If. “-Extracts relating to the supply of ordnance stores and the 

ordnance captured . 275 

■ a 3ST* — Extracts relating to the return or the troops. to India . . 285' 

*? % Military Beport on Son: -West Persia, pnbEsicd by the Intelligence 
Bsanen of the. Quarter Master Gener&ds Departm^ik ia India. 



h f - 7 7 


Aisr accotxn't 


OF THE 


BRITISH WARS WITH PERSIA. 


CHAPTER I. 

RELATIONS WITH PERSIA PROM THE TIME OF FATAH ALI SHAH TO THE 
WAR OF 1S5G-57* AND CONTEMPORANEOUS HISTORY OF HERAT AFFAIRS; 


* Hunt’s Persian Campaign. 


i Hunt’s Persian War. 





Persia* may be regarded as one barrier of our East Indian dominions (see 
South- West Persia) ; and the rulers of Russia, aware of this fact, have 
availed themselves of every opportunity for creating a difficulty between 
the two states. Her settled policy has been to seek by all possible means 
to induce the Persian monarch to pursue an unbecoming and offensive course 
in his dealings with England; and whether the treatment of the British 
representatives in Persia or the occupation of Herat was the point in debate, 
Russian diplomatists have invariably sought to aggravate the case and render 
an accommodation impossible. 

During the reignf of Fatah All Shah, the community of interests be- 
tween Great Britain and Persia united them, not more by formal engagements 
than by a sense of common danger, in an intimate alliance for tlieiiAiutual 
defence. But Shall Muhammad, after mounting the throne (in October 1834) 
had removed all experienced and wise councillors from around him, and had 
placed the affairs of his empire entirely in the hands of persons who shared 
in the love of conquest by which he was himself actuated. To enable him 
to prosecute these schemes, it was necessary that he should so cultivate 
intimate relations with Russia as to relieve him from all apprehension that, 
while he was engaged on distant expeditions, Russia Would profit by his 
absence to disturb or dismember his kingdom; and he was taught to believe 
that, if he could insure the support of Russia, England would not venture to 
oppose him. In furtherance of concerted plans with Russia, an envoy was 
sent by the Slidh to Kandahar and Kabul, charged with presents and com- 
munications not only from his Persian Majesty, but also from the Russian 
Minister of the Persian Court. 

At a very early stage after Muhammad Shah’s accession to the throne of 
FvWitionn-nlnst Herat P ? rsia ’ a PP ears to have conceived that his rights 

rWd of sovereignty should extend not only to Herat and 

Kandahar but to Ghazni, although warned by Sir 
Henry Ellis, oui Special Envoy, that such pretensions could not be recognized, 
by the British Government. As a prelude, therefore, to his extensive designs 
upon Afghanistan, an expedition against Herat was planned. ° 




i 


: : : AAa 


IMiSilSlSSSl 







Herat was then an independent province governed by Prince Kamran, who 
by his non-fulfilment of treaties had given a certain amount of pretext for 
the aggressive action of the Persian monarch; but he offered to make repar- 
ation, and the English Minister tried to mediate and bring matters to aii 
issue by peaceable negotiation. It was, however, soon evident from the exor- 
bitant demands of Muhammad Shah that he was not to be induced to 
abandon his projects of Eastern conquest, and that all that had been gained 
was the postponement of the expedition. 

In a despatch to Lord Palmerston, dated 30th December 1835, Mr. Ellis, 
who had been sent on a mission of condolence and congratulation to the young 
Shah, stated the case in these words: u Herat and some neighbouring dis- 
tricts are under the immediate authority of Kamran Mirza, whose father, 
Muhammad Shah, was for a short time King of Kabul. Kamran Mirza, with- 
out distinctly acknowledging the- sovereignty of Persia, has been in the habit 
of paying annually a sum of money to the Shah of Persia whenever the Gov- 
ernor of Khdrasan, the province or Persia adjacent to Herat, was in a condi- 
tion to threaten an attack upon Kamran Mirza’s principality. The successes 
of Abbas Mirza in his Khurasan campaigns led to the contracting of certain 
engagements on the part of Kamran Mirza, the principal of which were the 
razing of the fort of Ghorian, the return of certain families to their domicile 
in Persia, and the payment of a sum of 10,000 tomans to the Shah. The 
Herat prince has failed in his performance of all, and the Shdh has conse- 
quently a right to obtain redress by force of arms. Under such circum- 
stances, even if the British Government was not restrained by the ninth 
article* of the existing treaty from interfering between the Persians and 
Afghans, it would be difficult to oppose an attack on Herat, or to define the 
exact limit to which hostilities were to be carried against Kamran Mirza ; 
bub an attempt to annex Kandahar and Ghazni to the Persian dominions upon 
pretensions derived from the time of Nadir Shah has no such justification, and 
could not be looked upon with indifference by the British Government." 

During the negotiations which ensued, the spring of 1836 and 1837 passed 
by ; but in November of the latter year, the Persian 
iege o era . army invaded Herat, accompanied by the Shah in per- 

son and by the Russian Envoy, Count Simonich, and on the 22nd of that month 
the siege of Herat began. 

The Parliamentary Papersf in which these transactions are related contain 
some very important disclosures with reference to the 
Russian deceptive policy, rea j character of Russian diplomacy, and show that 

the same pernicious system of deception propounded by the Czar Nicholas 
to Sir G. H. Seymour at St. Petersburg is carried out in every branch 
of the diplomatic service of that State. The policy advocated by Count 
Simonich was so much at variance with the professed principles and the 
declared system of the Russian Government, that Lord Palmerston in 1837 
wrote to the Earl of Durham, at that time Ambassador at St. Petersburg, 
to bring the matter to the attention of the Russian Government. This was 
, done, and Count Nesselrode replied that our Minister must have been mis- 
informed, as Count Simonich had been distinctly ordered to dissuade the Shah 
from prosecuting the war at any time and in any circumstances. But it was 

* Treaty of 25th November 1814, Article IX : If war should be declared between the Afghans 
and Persians, the English Government shall not interfere with either party, unless their mediation 
to effect a peace shall be solicited by both parties. 

t Hunt’s Persian Campaign. 



s 


a well-known fact that Count Simonich not only urged the advance of 
the Persians against Herat, but actually offered his services to the Shah in a 
military capacity. So much for the truthfulness of Bussian, diplomacy. 

The siege lasted ten months, and the defence is among the more memor- 

_ _ . , ,, able ones of history. The determination with which 

defence?^* C ° n UC S 6 ^he P^ aee ou t is ascribed to the presence with 

the Afghan forces of an English officer, Lieutenant 

Eld red Pottinger, of the Bombay Artillery. Colonel Stoddart was in the 
Persian camp, and Mr. McNeill arrived in the spring of 1838. The Bussian 
Minister, Count Simonieh, was also present, and assumed a personal super- 
intendence of the military operations; and a Bussian detachment, called 
c< deserters,^ Under General Sanson, took part in the siege. 

Mr. McNeill wrote on the 23rd February 1838: “The defence which 

Value Of Herat to India. ^ ™ ade . , is very creditable to its inhabit- 

ants, and, considering the amount of the means 
■which the Shah succeeded in collecting before it (nearly 40, Of 0 men and 80 
guns), the want of artillery in the town, the facility with which His Majesty 
has obtained supplies, the. depressing effect upon the Heratis of the fall of 
Ghorian (it fell after a siege of 10 days), the failure of all their allies 
to afford them efficient succour, and the unusual mildness of the season 
so favourable to the operations of a siege, I confess the value of Herat has 
been greatly enhanced in my estimation ; and, although I have always regarded 
it as a most important position with reference to the security and tranquillity 
of India, I was not prepared to look upon it as so strong arid defensible a 
place, or as one so capable of being made a barrier to the advance of any 
hostile power; and I feel that, if Herat should fall into the hands of any such 
power, it would be an evil even greater than I had hitherto believed it would be.” 
These considerations induced Mr. McNeill to advise the English Government 
to interfere for the preservation of the independence of this important fortress. 

Mr. McNeill was active in his remonstrances with the Shah, but without 
Rupture between Eng- avad ’ and on the | 7th June he left the camp under eir- 
land and Persia. cum stances winch, amounted to a diplomatic rupture 

between Persia and Great Britain. 

In the meantime the siege was vigorously pressed, and in an assault on 
the 24th June the place was nearly lost by the Afghans, and would have been 
it is said, had it not been for the personal gallantry of Lieutenant Pottino-er ’ 

The garrison, however, was nearly worn out, their sufferings from famine 
were extreme, and the siege operations began to assume the character of a 
blockade .' 1 

The energetic prosecution of the siege of Herat by the Persian Government 
had produced an estrangement aggravated by several indignities offered to 
British subjects. 

In the meantime the events in progress at Herat had aroused the atten- 

British expedition to the Government, and in the spring of 

Persian Gulf, 1838. lboS Lord Auckland despatched a small expedition 

XT AT -11 • Li n to . tdle Persian Gulf to be ready for any service Mr 

McNeill might call upon it to undertake. This force (of under 500 men) was 
landed on the islander KM raj m the Persian Gulf near Bnshite, and exag- 
gerated accounts of its dimensions reached Herat, arid produced some alarm 
in the Persian camp. It happened also that Mr. McNeill, at the same time 
that he heard of the arrival of the British expedition in the Persian GuL 
received instructions from the Foreign Office (in anticipation of the ref sil f 
the Persian monarch to desist from the siege of Herat), which induced him 




4 


■ 


L 


.6 seize the opportunity of making an effort to regain the ascendancy of English 
counsels at the Persian Court. 

In accordance with these instructions, he despatched Colonel btoddart to the 
Colonel Stoddards mis- Shah’s camp with a decided message to the effect 
sion. that, if the siege of Herat were not raised, the British 

would proceed to hostilities; and Colonel Stoddart reached the Persian head- 
quarters before Herat with this information on the 11th August. 

Without going into details of what then took place, and of the vain 

■ . . , . ' intrigues of Russia carried on through M. Goutte, an 

Rn«si*n mtngws. 0 f the mission (having for their object to 

induce Prince Kamran to make some sign of vassalage to the Shah, such 
as coming out to visit him in order to give a semblance of success to the 
” Persian Expedition), it will be sufficient to say that 

Siege of II crdt raised. C() | one i stoddart’s mission was successful, and that 

the Shah began his retreat to Tihran on the 9th September. 

It, should be observed here that simultaneously with these events other 
intrigues were being carried on in Afghanistan by a Russian agent, Captain 
Yicoviteh, at Kandahar and Kabul, whose instructions were to exaggerate the 
power of Persia and the support being accorded to her by Russia, with the object: 
of inducing’ the rulers of those places, Dost Muhammad and kohandil khan, 
to throw in their interest with Persia anti Russia rather than with England. . 

When the Persian army retreated from Herat on 9th September 183b., it 
was evident that the Russian plans had sustained a temporary check; and 
according, when the English Ambassador at St, Petersburg remonstrated on 
the subject of the intrigues just mentioned, the Russian Government disavowed 

Count Simonieh was superseded in 1839 by Count Meden, and Captain 
Vieovitch, being ignored altogether, committed suicide. 

When the siege of Herat was raised, the state of the population from 
famine was serious, and every effort was made by Colonel Stoddart and 
Lieutenant Pottinger to save the people from starving ^and a sum or money 
was paid by Lord Auckland for the support of Prince Kamran and his duels, 
and for the restoration of the defences of Herat. 

.At. the ■ same time -an. English mission was despatched to Herat, and tie 
, TT independence of the district was to be guaranteed by 
ToiIEa mission to Herat. ^ on condition 0 f the abolition of the slave trade. 

The head of this mission was Major Todd, of the Bengal Artillery, and its 
members were Lieutenant R. Shakespear, Captain Sanders, Lieutenant Abbott, 
Lieutenant- C olo a el Stoddart, Lieutenants Connolly and Kortb, and burgeon 

L °^rhis mission bad great difficulties to contend with, owing to the avarice and 
treachery of Prince Kanaran's Minister, Yar Muhammad, who had also pre- 
viously been a source of great trouble to Eldred Pottinger. 


US IV UOtJU. il au ^ « . A -t -A • 1 > n 

This man continued to intrigue both with Persia and Afghanistan all 


the 


i nis mail uuuuuucu uu,i«v*jguy - — o , ri 

time that he was in the receipt of a subsidy from the Anglo-Indian Hovern- 
ment* and eventually Major Todd withdrew his mission in September IBM), 
Rottino-cr having left in August 1839. He had been appointed Rditieal 
Agentat Herat from the 9th September in the previous year, the date or the 

raising of the siege. , , i 

Ills exertions* at Kandahar were crowned with such success that the loi- 
1,, w ; no - draft of a treaty between its chief and the Persian monarch was drawn 

ll P 


under the sealed guarantee of the Russian Ambassador at Tihran : 


# Hunt’s Persian Campaign. 


, t ' 


n X, as Minister Plenipotentiary of the Russian Government at the Court 
of Persia, guarantee the fulfilment of the following conditions of treaty between 
His Majesty Muhammad Shah and the Sirdar of Kandahar: 

1. The principality of Herat to be bestowed on the rulers of Kandahar. 

2. The Kandahar territories and tribes to be 'preserved. to it. ■ 

3. All Afghan tribes to remain free of Persia, and to be administered by. 
the rulers of Kandahar. 

K Prince K am ran and his Wazir, Yar Muhammad, to be excluded from all 
participation in the councils of Persia. 

5. The Shah to aid the Kandahar Sirdars against the Amir of Kabul or the 
, English. 

6. A son of Kohandil Khan to be given as a hostage to the Shah. 

7. A Kandahar! contingent of 12,000 men to garrison Herat and to assist 
the Shah on occasion of ' service. 

8. On the arrival of the treaty duly ratified at Kandahar, Muhammad Umar 
Khan to repair to the royal presence. 

9. After the presentation of this prince, the necessary money for the outfit 

of the horse and artillery to he made over by the Persian Government to the 
Sirdars of Kandahar ; Sirdar Mihrdil Ivhan to be then sent with 1,000 horse 
to the royal camp ; ■ * * * y no other demand to be made upon the 

Kan d aha ns by the Persian Government than that of military service.” 

“ Should Muhammad Shah, i.e., the Sheik of Persia, fail to fulfil any of these 
several conditions-, or depart in any way from the stipulations, /, as Minister 
Plenipotentiary of the Russian Government becoming myself responsible, will, 
oblige him in whatever way may be necessary to act fully up to the terms and 
conditions of the treaty,” 

In communicating this remarkable document to the chief authorities, Mr. 
McNeill stated with great force : 

“The question of Herat seems, therefore, to be the question of all Afghan- 
istan; and if the place should fall without any attempt having been made 
to save it, I feel convinced that the moral influence of that event would have 
a most prejudicial effect on our national reputation in all these countries ; for 
it is no secret to any one that the British Government have been desirous to 
prevent its fall, and that Russia, on the contrary, has been solicitous to see 
it in the hands of Persia. All Central Asia will regard it as a question 
between the greater powers, whose views are so publicly spoken of, that I 
did not converse with a villager between Isfahan and this place who did not 
ask me whether the Russians did not favour, and the English oppose, the 
Shah’s enterprise against Herat/’ 

In the same despatch Mr. McNeill pointed out to Lord Auckland the 
beneficial effect the advance of a British force in that 
Importance of Herat, direction would have, not only upon the Shah of 
Persia, but upon all the rulers of Central Asia. Mr. McNeill declared 
Herat to be the key of Afghanistan. “ The country,” he stated, “between 
the frontiers of Persia and India is far more productive than I had 
imagined it to be; and there is no impediment, either from the physical 
features of the country, or frmn the deficiency of supplies, to the march of 
a large army from the frontiers of Georgia to Kandahar, or, as I believe, 
to the Indus. Count Simonich drove his carriage from Tihran to Herat, 
and could drive it to Kandahar; and the Shali’s army has now for 
nearly seven months subsisted almost exclusively on the supplies of the country 
immediately around Herat and Ghorian, leaving the still more productive 



6 



districts of Sabzwar and Farah untouched. In short, I can state from 
persona! observation that there is absolutely no impediment to the march of 
an army to Herat; and that from the information I have received, the country 
between that city and Kandahar presents no difficulties, but affords remark- 
able facilities for the passage of armies. There is, therefore, no security for 
India in the nature of the country through which an enemy would have to 
pass to invade it from this side. On the contrary, the whole line is peculiarly 
favourable for such an enterprise, and I am the more anxious to state this 
opinion clearly, because it is at variance with my previous belief, and with 
statements which I may have previously hazarded, relying on more imperfect 
information, binder such circumstances, it seems to me that it would be a most 
hazardous policy to allow Persia to act as the pioneer of Russia, and, under 
protection of the article of the treaty, to break down the main defence of 
Afghanistan, and thereby make the country untenable to us, at a moment 
when the concert between Persia and Russia in these operations is avowed. 
I shall therefore urge Lord Auckland, by every argument I can call to mind, 
to take a decided course, and to save Herat, &e,, fee.” 

Mr. Kaye, in his “ History of the War in Afghanistan/ 5 thus describes 
Herat : 

“ Situated at that point of the great range of mountains hounding the 
whole of our (Indian) northern frontier, even to Assam, which alone presents 
facilities to the transport of a train of heavy artillery, Herat has, with no 
exaggeration, been described as the gate of India. Within the limits of the 
Herat territory, all the great roads leading on India converge. At other 
points, between Herat and Kabul, a body of troops unencumbered with o-uns 
or having only a light field artillery, might make good its passage, if not 
actively opposed, across the stupendous mountain ranges of the Hindu Kush - 
but it is only by the Herat route that a really formidable, well-equipped army 
could make its way upon the Indian frontier from the regions on the north- 
west. Both the nature and the resources of the country are such as to 
favour the success of the invader. All the materials necessary for the organi- 
zation of a large army and the formation of its depots are to be found in 
the neighbourhood of Herat. Its mines supply lead, iron, and sulphur ; the 
surface in almost every direction is laden with saltpetre : the willow and’ the 
poplar trees, which furnish the best charcoal, flourish in all parts ; whilst 
from the population might, at any time, be drawn hardy and docile soldiers 
to recruit the ranks or the invading aimy. Upon the possession of such a 
country would depend, in no small measure, the success of operations under- 
taken for the invasion or the defence of Hindustan.” 

This same year, 1812, the differences between England and Persia, which 
had reached their climax when Mr. McNeill left the 
Adjustment of the differ- shah's camp at Herat on the 7th June 1838 were 
Persia through Russian me- am] caoly adjusted ; and in the month of March the 
diation, small British contingent was withdrawn from the 

island of Kharaj, in the Persian Gulf. This result 
was brought about by the mediation of Russia, at whose dictation Persia 
made the reparation claimed from her for the affront which had led to the rup- 
ture. She also guaranteed a commercial treaty. 1 

In 1844 Prince Kamran was murdered by his Wazfr, Yar Muhammad 
who seized upon the supreme power at Herat for himself, and retained it till 
hisdeathin 1851. Yar Muhammad banished all the Sadozai Princes, Kamran's 
relations, from Herat, and secured his possession of power by payings assiduous 


1 


court to the Persian Government ; and after his death his son and successor, 
. Sayyid Muhammad Khan, acknowledged himself a 
1844 to 1851. eM 10111 subject of Persia, and that he held his appointment as 
Governor of Herat from the Shah. He was a weak 
Prince, and was driven to this course by his desire for Persian support against 
the Herat chieftains, whose opposition he began to encounter soon after his 
accession. 

The Persian Court had never lost sight of the subject of Herat, and the 
present was deemed a good opportunity to take possession of the city. 
Accordingly a Persian force was organized under Murad Mirza, Governor 
of Khurasan, but not nominally for the occupation of Herat. 

The pretext for armed action was to repel the advance of a Barakzai Chief 
of Kandahar on Parah ; hut in the operations which ensued, the citadel of 
Herat was occupied by a strong Persian force. Upon 
Renewed Persian espedi- this, the British Minister, Colonel Sheil, remonstrated 

SuS of British remon- with sueh effec ^ that on the 25th January 1853 
strances. an engagement was contracted by the Persian Govern- 

ment not to interfere in Herat affairs. 

The next event concerning British relations with Persia was a misunder- 
standing* which seems to have arisen from the appoint- 
meat by- Mr. Taylour Thompson of a Persian SW 
the Shah, tar J tile Mission* who was disapproved of by the 

Shah. The dispute which arose about this matter 
was in progress when Mr. Murray assumed charge of the Legation in April 
1855* and seems to have lasted until December of that year* when the attitude 
of the Persian Government towards the British Lega- 
-d * * ^ neces Stated the breaking off of diplomatic rela- 

reiatfotT ° * P tio ? s on the P art o£ Great Britain* and Mr. Murray 

retired to Baghdad. 

It would seem that the Shah was much annoyed by the convention of 

Changes at Herat in 185 3; . he showed this plaiul/ by his attitude during 
3.855 toe Oiimean war. s 

In 1855 a change of some importance had taken 
place in the government of Herat. In September of that year the chief power 
was seized by Muhammad Yusuf, a Sadozai Prince, grandson of a former ruler 
of Herat, and one of the numerous Sadozai nobles whom Yar Muhammad had 
expelled when he murdered Prince Kamran. 

Yusuf now, who was a relation of Prince Kamran, inaugurated his success 

Accession of Muhammad “ nrf e« n ff Yar Muhammad’s son, Sayyid Muham- 
Yusuf. mad* and some others* on the plea that they were 

accomplices in KamraiYs murder. 

The Persian Government is said to have approved of Muhammad Yusuf* s 

Decline of British influ. a f essioa to in Herat, as they saw in it a means 

€nce at Tihr&n. ” renewin g their own designs on that place* and were 

_ . less apprehensive than formerly of British interference, 

as this country was engaged in the Crimean war. 

The successes of the Russians at Kars in November 1855 are also believed to 
have encouraged Persia in the aggressive measures to which she now resorted. 

In the autumn of 1855, Muhammad Yusuf applied to Persia for aid against 
Muhammad Yusuf applies Afghanistan, deelaring that Dost Muhammad (who 
Af-hInl af0raidagainsUhe ° n the death o£ bis b ™thei Kohandil Khan, ruler of 
, . .' , . , , Kandahar, had marched there, and annexed it to his 

dominions) intended to invade Herat. 







iiiim 







Accordingly, in the spring of 1856, Prince Murad Mirza was ordered to 
advance with a Persian army and occupy the city. 

The accession of Muhammad Yusuf was regarded by Dost Muhammad, 
who had concluded a treaty with us on the 80th March 
Treaty of Peshawar, 1855, as almost tantamount to a Persian annexation 

of Herat. 

It was the aggressive attitude of the Tihran Court which induced Dost 
Muhammad to enter into this alliance with us. 
Counter-alliance between The proceedings of Persia with reference to Herat 
England and A giafais an. p] ace j n gpj^ 0 £ ^he remonstrances of the British 

Minister, Mr. Murray, to which the Wazfr, bent on flattering the ShalFs 
vanity, turned a deaf ear; and it is added that from this time the members 
of our Legation and everybody under British protection were subjected to 
perpetual annoyances and insults, for which no redress could he obtained. 
It is probable" that the misunderstanding respecting a Persian Secretary, 
already referred to, was merely one item among the details of this .persecu- 

tion. ^ 

Early in 1856 the Persian troops advanced on Herat; but when Prince 
A . - \ 't a Murad Mirza reached Turbat, he was informed that 

Prince * Jidr&d his advanced guard bad been refused admission to the 

v&nces on Herat. city, and that the Heratis were bent on resisting his 

Capture of Ghorian. approach. 

Prince Murad, then acting under stringent orders from Tihran, attacked 
the Herat forces near Ghorian, inflicting on them a signal defeat,, and taking 
their General and several hundred men prisoners. He then laid siege to 
Ghorian, which after twenty days succumbed, and, leaving a garrison there, 
he advanced to Herat. , 

The resistance of the Heratis to the Persian claims is said to have been 
. 1V , » . due to Muhammad Yusufs Wazfr, Psa Khan, an 

by his Wazfr, I'm Khan, energetic chieftain belonging to an Afghan tribe, in 
and the Persians refused the earlier days of the siege, these two men worked 
admittance to the fortress. amicably together; but soon the Prince became jealous 
of the rising power of the Wazfr, and the latter, anticipating the intention of 
the f o r me r°t o wa rds himself, made a prisoner of his master, and sent him into 
the Persian camp. 

Thence Prince Murad sent him to Tihran, where he was treated as a rebel 
by the Shah. 

This was at the end of April 1856, and the siege lasted till the 26th Octo- 
, her, when the place succumbed to famine, and the Per- 
Siege ami fell of Herat. ^ toob posgession 0 f Herat. 

Murad Mirza had a besieging force of 80,000 men, and the operations were 
conducted by a Frenchman named Biihler. Their loss during the siege was 
1,800 men; that of the Heratis, 1,500. Psa Khan was murdered after the 
surrender. 

The Persian monarch demanded that for the future money should be coined 
in his name ; the kh if halt, or prayer for the sovereign, be read in the mosques 
on Friday, and a certain amount of tribute paid yearly. Our Ambassador 
had before this quitted Tihran owing to an insult offered to him by the Prime 
Minister; but this was a temporary and personal difference, which would 
probably have been smoothed over had not the Persian Court been well 
aware that their proceedings regarding Herat must bring on a rupture at any 
rate {Blackwood’s Magazine). 


9 



In the meantime the English Government had not been idle. Negotia- 
tions were first opened at Constantinople between 
Lord Stratford de EedcliSe and Farukh Khan, an 
envoy from Persia on his way to Paris; but these had 
no result. Accordingly the English Government sent orders by the mail of 
the 20th September to the Governor- General of India to make warlike 
preparations, and on the 1st November the Viceroy declared war against Persia. 
On the 6th of the same month, the occupation of Herat by Persia was publicly 
notified at Tib ran. 

On the 4th December the island of Kharaj was re-occupied without 
opposition by a British force, and on the 7th the troops 
Occupation of KMraj. Were landed at Ilalila Bay, near Bushire, On the 9th 
Capture of Rasln'r. they captured the fort of Eashir near tile sea and bom- 

barded the town, capturing a quantity of guns and small arms and stores of 
ammunition. The town surrendered on the 10th. 

These successes were achieved b} r an advanced detachment of the army 
under General Stalker. 

The head -quarters of the expedition, under General Sir James Outram, 
Concentration of the main sailed from Bombay on the 16th January 1857, and 
force under General Sir arrived at Bushire on the 27th. The force was divided 
dames Outram at Bushire. into two divisions, under Generals Stalker and 
Havelock, and the whole of it was concentrated at Bushire by the end of the 
month. ■ # , 

On the 3rd February General Outram moved forward against a Persian 
force occupying an entrenched camp at the village of Boras jab, 48 miles from 
Bushire, and 12 from the foot of the mountains which separate the sandy coast 
from thft table-land of Persia. 

On the 5th, after a trivial skirmish, this position was occupied, and a 

„ 'i quantity of ordnance stores and camp equipage fell 

Battle of KUuslmb. ^ ^ bauds Qn the ?th General Outnun moved 

back to Bushire, followed by the Persian army, 7,000 strong, to which he gave 
battle on the 8th near the village o£ Khusbab. 

In this engagement the Persians were utterly routed, and they fled in 
disorder, leaving behind them 700 dead and two guns. 

The safety of Bushire being now secured, General Outram left on the 
Expedition to Mulmmma- 18th of Ivlareh with 4,800 men and 12 guns by sea, 
rah. accompanied hy four armed steamers and two war 

sloops for Muhammarah, at the confluence of the Ivarun river with the Shatt- 
ul-Arab, where a Persian army of 13,000 men and 30 guns was encamped 
under Prince Khalai Mirza The mouth of the Ivarun had also been strongly 
fortified. # 

This position was attacked by Sir James Outram on the 26 th March, and 
B-ittle nt the confluence captured with but few casualties. The Persian losses 
of the Shatt-ul-Arab and were severe, and in their headlong flight they aban- 
the Karfin. doned 16 guns, besides quantities of tents, baggage, 

and miscellaneous stores. 

On the 29 tli the fugitive force was followed by a naval expedition under 
Commander Rennie, of the Indian Navy, which sailed up the Karun as far as 
the town of Ahwaz, about 100 miles from the mouth of the river, and midway 
between Muhammarah and Shustar. The ships reached Ahwaz on the 1st 
April, and about 300 men landed to attack the Persian army, which was posted 
on the right bank. 


England declares war 
against Persia. 


10 



The Persian force, which could not have numbered less than 10,000 men, 
was so demoralised by the experience it had already had of British troops that 
it fled in confusion. The Persians left great stores of grain behind them, 
and suffered much in consequence from destitution during their retreat on 
Shustar. 

On the 4th April, the English expedition returned to Muliammarah, where, 

Conclusion of peace. °" the foll °'ying da}', General Outram received news 
or peace having beei> concluded at Pans on the 4th of 
the preceding month as the result of negotiations between Lord Cowley and 
Farukb Khan (the Persian Ambassador already mentioned as having before 
the war been engaged in futile negotiations with Lord Stratford de Redeliffeat 
Constantinople). 

The details of this last war are given in Chapter III. 

The ratification of this treaty, by which the independence of Herat was 
Herat recognized hide- recognized, and in which Persia engaged to abstain 
pendent. from all interference in the internal affairs of Afghan- 

istan, was completed at Baghdad on the2jid May 1857, Mr. Murray being the 
representative of Great Britain. 

The treaty of 1855 (Treaty of Peshawar) with Dost Muhammad and 
Persia pledges herself another ( Cf Articles of Agreement 33 ) in 1857 with 
not to interfere in Afghan- the same potentate had their origin in our relations 
lst n \ # with Persia. By the latter the Amir of Kabul was 

subsidized as our ally in the Persian war, but the contest was at an end before 
he was called upon to give aid. 

As these treaties have little practical bearing on actual events, no more 
need be said about them. 

The \ Illth clause of the Treaty of Paris contained a stipulation that all 
prisoners taken in the recent war in Afghanistan were to be surrendered by 
the Persian Government; but on the 17th April, after the signature of the 
treaty, but before its ratification, the Shah caused Prince Muhammad Yusuf to 
he given to the relations of Sayyicl Muhammad, whom he had put to death on 
assuming the government of Herat. 

_ They now avenged their relations death by murdering Muhammad Yusuf 
within the precincts of the palace at Tihran, hacking him to pieces. 

As regards Herat itself, i f s defences had been dismantled during the war 
Persians renew their in- by order of Murad Mirza, the Persian Governor of 
fence at Herat. Khurasan; and after the war the new ruler, Sultan 

Jan, son-in-law and nephew of Dost Muhammad of Kabul, who had quarrell- 
ed with his uncle (and nephew also of Kohandil Khan, late ruler of Kanda- 
har), was persuaded to receive as his YYazxr a creature of the Shah, so as to 
keep alive the influep.ee of the Court of Tihran at Herat, which was now eva- 
cuated by Murad Mirza and the Persian troops ; and for the next five years, 
though the Treaty of Paris was not violated, Herat was administered almost 
as a dependency of the Persian Crown. 

M hen the conclusion of peace was known, the British force at Muham- 
marnh was broken up. The orders fpr this were issued on the 9th May, and on 
the i 5th the troops embarked to return to India. A detachment, however, 
under General Bonner, remained on the island of Kharaj till February 1858, 
as th ) Persians delayed the evacuation of Lash and Juain on the Sistan 
frontier. ■; 

Amicable relations between Persia and Great Britain were now resumed, 

PH the 18th July 1857 Mr. Murray returned to Tihran, when certain 


Ceremonies and apologies prescribed by the Treaty of Paris were duly gone’ 
through. 

During the absence of Mr. Murray from Tihran before the war, up to 
November 185(1, Great Britain had been represented at the Persian Court by 
Mr. (Consul) Stevens. '• 

After the restoration of peace, an English Envoy was sent to Her£t to 
Despatch of an English ascertain that the provisions of (he treaty had been 
tuition to Herat, faithfully fulfilled. This officer, Colonel Taylor, accom- 

panied by Captain Claud Clerk, started for Herat in August 1857* and left 
•Herat on the completion of his mission in March 1858;' :: /. 

It may be as well here to embody in a few words what remains to be 
said of Herat before dismissing the subject for the remainder of the chapter. 

At the period to which the narrative has now come, the Indian. Mutiny 
was in progress, giving an opportunity to the Shah of renewing his designs on 
that city ; but so much impressed was he by the lessofj administered to him 
by Sir James Outram, that he could not he induced to venture again on a 
The Tekeh Turkmans f u pture with the English Government. Afterwards, 
defeat the Governor of in July i860, the Persian Governor of Khurasan, 
Khurasan. Harfizah Mirza, successor of Murad Mirza, sustained a 

crushing defeat at the hands of the Tekeh Turkmans, losing the greater part 
of his army, and several of his guns, so that Nasr-’ud-Din was not in a posi- 
tion to undertake any aggfessive movement on a large scale. 

The new ruler of Herat, Sultan Jan, also known as Ahmad Khan, was 
Sutt&n Jan of Herat anxious to succeed to the dignity of Chief of the 
invades tin 1 territory of Dost Barakzais, and with this object he prepared to invade 
Muhammad. the territory of Dost Muhammad. 

Having gained possession of Farah by treachery, he was met by Dost Mu- 
hammad, who marched against him in 1882, and in the month of May drove 
him back into Herat, and laid siege to the town. 

The shah of Persia was desirous of aiding Ahmad, and a force hovered 
Attitude Of the Shah abnut the frontier J but the British M.nister at 'tihran 
insisted on the provisions of the Treaty of Paris being 
respected. ° 

His overtures also for English aid against Dost Muhammad, made both 
Suitin' Jan’s overtures through bis Ambassador in London and thro noli our 
for English aid. Minister at Tihran, were discouraged. ** 

In the spring of the following year Ahmad died, and was succeeded by his 
Si.-sre and capture of eldest son, whose reign was, however, short, as the 
Herat by Dost Muhammad, siege terminated in the surrender of Herat to Dost 
Muhammad at the end of May 18 >3. 

Almost immediately afterwards Dost Muhammad died also, and it is con- 
uis deatli . sidered that the nearly simultaneous death of these two 

hostile leaders occurred at an opportune moment, and 
averted a renewal of complications in connection with Herat. 

In 1885 the Government of Herat was conferred on Dost Muhammad's 
Government of Henlfc grandson, Sirdar Muhammad Yakub Khan, a lad of 
conferred on Yakub Khan, sixteen, son of Slier All Khan, the late Aimrof Kabul 
whom- the latter again made Governor of Herat, when he had made good his 
accession; and he retained that post until his quarrel with his father about the 
year 1872, when he was deposed and imprisoned. 




CHAPTER II. 






gi! 


PRECIS OP THE OPERATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE PERSIAN WAR 

OP 1856-57. 

Extract from a Paper on Persia, compiled by Captain (now Colonel) E. F. Chapman, R.A. 

In 1854. Mr. Thomson, in charge of British Affairs at Tib ran, appointed 
Mirza Hashim to be first Persian Secretary of the Mission — an appointment 
so obnoxious to the Shah that the Persian Government declined to receive 
the 'Mirza, and, on his destination being changed to Shiraz, notified to Mr. 
Murray, who was now the British Minister, that should the Mirza set out for 
his post, he would be seized and forcibly detained. This notice was given on 
the 6th of November lb55, and immediately afterwards the Mirza's wife 
was seized by order of the Persian Minister. On the 17th Mr. Murray offi- 
cially intimated that, unless the lady was released, the flag of the mission 
would be hauled down, and friendly relations would cease; and as his menace 
produced no effect, the flag was struck on the 20th of November, and on the 
5th of December the mission withdrew from Tihran. The Persian Govern- 
ment then published a justification of its conduct, which set forth that Mr. 
Murray was carrying on an intrigue with the wife of Mirza Hashim; and 
in an autograph note to his Prime Minister, the Shall indulged in the most 
intemperate language against Mr. Murray, charging him with insolence, and 
speaking of him as “stupid, ignorant, and insane." In the same month 
of December Prince Sultan Murad Mirza put himself at the head of 9,000 
men intended to act against Herat. It must be admitted that there was 
some colour for this expedition, as a tribute had been guaranteed to the Shah 
from the city; and further, Prince Muhammad Yusuf, the son of Kamran, 
who, after putting Sayyid Muhammad to death, had recovered his heritage, 
had applied to Persia for aid, alleging that he was threatened with an 
attack by Dost Muhammad of Kabul. On the 27th of February 1856, the 
Persian Government, doubtless encouraged by the Russian successes at Kars 
in November of the preceding year, published their reason for this offensive 
movement. After futile negotiations between the Persian Envoy at Con- 
stantinople and Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, instructions were sent out by 
the mail of the 20th September 1856 by Lord Clarendon to the Governor- 
General of India to prepare a force at Bombay for the occupation of Kharaj. 
In the meantime the Persian army under Sultan Murad had defeated the 
Herat forces near Ghorian, taking their General, Ahmad Khan, and several 
hundred men prisoners ; and, having captured and garrisoned Ghorian after 
a twenty days* siege, were closely besieging Herat itself. On the 29th of 
April 1856, Prince Muhammad Yusuf was sent as a prisoner into the 
Persian camp by his Wazir, Fsa Khan. On the 26th of October 1S56 Herat 
was surrendered to the Persians, and its occupation was publicly notified at 
Tihran on the 6th of November. On the first of the same month the 
Governor-General of India issued a proclamation declaring war against 
Persia. On the 11th several ships sailed with troops from Bombay to the 



13 


Persian Gulf; and on the 13th, Sir EL Leeke, commanding the naval forces, 
embarked for the same destination. On the 26th the whole fleet, consisting 
of thirty-four sail, assembled at Kishm ; on the 3rd of December the island 
of Kharaj was re-occupied; and on the 7th, the army, consisting of 
two brigades, the first under Brigadier Stopford, c.b., and the second 
under Colonel Homier, disembarked at Halila Bay, 12 miles south-east 
of Abu-shahar (Bush ire), the 20tli Bombay Native Infantry and the 4th 
Bombay Rifles being the first regiments on shore. On the 9th the troops 
advanced to dislodge the enemy from their position near the fort of Rashahar 
(Raslffr). A body of Arabs made a most determined resistance at an earth- 
work, and the action was not gained without loss. Brigadier Stopford, Colonel 
Malet of the 3rd Cavalry, and Lieutenants Utterson and Warren of the 20th 
Bombay Native Infantry were killed, and Captain Wood of that regiment 
was wounded, and thirty-five inferior officers and men were killed or wounded. 
On the 10th, after a sharp cannonade of three hours, Abu-shahar surrendered, 
and the British flag was hoisted on its walls at 5 p.m. of that day. Fifty- 
eight guns were taken, and several Persian officers of high rank were made 
prisoners. In the meantime, a reserve force, consisting of the 14th Light 
Dragoons, the 1st Sind Horse, the 4th Troop of Royal Horse Artillery, the 
1st Company of the 2nd Battalion of Foot Artillery, the 78th Highlanders, 
the 23rd and 26th Regiments Bombay Native Infantry, and a light batta- 
lion of ten companies drawn from regiments not serving with the force, had 
been assembled at Bombay under General Outram, to whom the command 
of the wh de army was given. The General and his staff sailed from Bombay 
on the morning of the 1 6th January 1857, and the army was now formed 
into two divisions, of which General Stalker commanded the first, and Briga- 
dier Havelock the second. The reserve reached Abu-shahar in the end of 
January, and on the 3rd of February General Outram, with the 2nd 
European Light Infantry, the 64th, and 78th Highlanders, the 3rd Bombay 
Cavalry, the Punah Horse, the 4th Bombay Rifles, the 20th Native Infantry, 
the 2nd Biluch Battalion, and some guns, marched to dislodge the enemy from 
an intrenched camp at Borasjan, 48 miles from Abu-shahar, On the 5th this 
position was occupied after a slight outpost affair, in which Cornet S pens 
of the Cavalry and a few troopers were wound* d. A vast quantity of stores 
and ammunition were taken in the camp. On the night of the 7th, General 
Outram commenced his return, after having first exploded 3 C, 000 pounds of 
the enemy's powder, to ignite which the rifles with shell bullets invented by 
General Jacob were used. During the darkness of the night, thp enemy made a 
sharp attack on the English column while on the march, in winch Captain 
Muckier and Lieutenant Green tree of the 6 l*th were wounded, and a few 
men killed and wounded. General Outram met with a severe accident, his 
horse falling with him, and rolling over him. At daylight on the morning 
of the 8th the enemy were seen drawn up in order of battle, with their right 
resting on the village of Kliushab, numbering 6,000 infantry and 2,000 
cavalry, with about 15 guns, under Shuja-ul-Mulk, reputed the best officer in 
the Persian army. After a short but sharp action this force was completely 
routed, and fled, leaving 700 men dead on the field, and two guns in the hands 
of the English. A regiment of Persian infantry was in this battle ridden over 
and cut to pieces by the 3rd Bombay Cavalry, whose commanding officer, Cap- 
tain Forbes, was severely wounded. The English loss altogether was one officer 
and eighteen men killed, and four officers and sixty men wounded. General 
Outram regained his quarters at Abu-shahar by midnight on the 9th. On the 


Wm 


mmmm. 





. /', % 1 ■ : 1&2 v <K ti :. - , irJs , * .■ 


jfjtf 



mm 






SHtll March the General, having 1 organized a force for the capture of Mnhaitf- 
marab,afcown at the confluence of the Kardn with the Shafct-ul-Arab, where the 
Persians had thrown up strong batteries, and had stationed an army of 15 , 000 ' 
""men, attacked the place, and captured it, with the loss of ten men killed, and 
one officer and thirty men wounded. The loss of the enemy was very severe. 
On the 29th March, General Outrun despatched a light force to pursue 
the enemy to Ahwsz, a town about 1 00 miles distant up the Karim. This 
force proceeded in the Comet, Plane t f and Am/riaii steamers under Commander 
Rennie. On the 1st of April, the expedition came within sight of the Persian 
army near Afcwaz, but on the right hank of' the river, the town being on the 
left Although the Persians amounted to at least 10,000 men, and the English 
troops did not exceed 300, such was the terror General Outranks victories 
had inspired, that the instant the English advanced on Ahwaz the Persians 
deserted the place, and not long after, a shell falling near the General’s tent, 
the whole army likewise took to flight. Then was seen the astonishing 
spectacle of five heavy masses of infantry, well supplied with artillery, and 
2,000 horse, among which were the picked men of the Bakhtiari tribes, 
reputed the best cavalry in Persia — a complete army, in short — retiring 
before a handful of Englishmen less numerous than the wing cf a single* 
regiment. ° 

The vast stores of the Persians were destroyed or thrown open to Hie' 
plundering Arabs, and the retreating enemy suffered dreadful distress ere they 
reached Shustar, 100 miles distant, where was their nearest depot. 

# The Persian army was thoroughly disorganized, and in a few dnvs Outran* 
might easily have conquered the whole province of Arab 1st an. The treaty 
of peace, which suddenly put a stop to these successful operations, had been 
negotiated between Lord Cawley and Farukh Khan at Paris, and was signed' 
on 4th March 1S57. 

By this treaty the Shah engaged to* withdraw the troops from Herat, 
to relinquish all claims to sovereignty over it, and never to demand any' 
marks of obedience, such as the coinage, or khutbah , from the chiefs. 
He further agreed to abstain from all interference with the internal affairs of 
Afghanistan, and to recognize the independence of Herat. All prisoners 
taken at Herat were to be set at liberty without ransom. The British mis- 
sion was to he received at Tihran with apologies. The slave trade was to be" 
suppressed in the Persian Gulf. Finally, apologies Were to be made to Mr. 
Murray for the insolent conduct of the Shah and his Minister. The. ratifica- 
tions of the treaty were exchanged at Baghdad between’ Mr. Murray and a 
Persian of fleer on 2nd May 1S57. 

During the war the Persian Governor of Khurasan, Prince Murad Mfrza 
bad dismantled the defences of Herat; and Sultan Ahmad Khan, or Sultdn 
Jan, a nephew of Kobmdil Khan, the late ruler of Kandahar, and son of” 
Sirdar Muhammad Azim Khan (brother of Dost Muhammad), was sent 
by the Persians to assume the government of the city and territory of 
Herat (27th July Jl 857). He was bribed to receive a creature of Persia 
named Sayyid Abbul Hasan Shah as liis YV azir, and to make other concessions 

On April 17th, after the signature of the treaty, and in open violation of 
one of the articles, the Shah caused an atrocious murder to be perpetrated on 
the unfortunate Prince Muhammad Yusuf, late ruler of Herat. He was <riven 
up to the relations of Sayyid Muhammad within the precincts of the palace at 
Tihran, and literally hacked to pieces, having received seventeen tfotfnds before' 
Jus sufferings were over,- '.. __ 


III! 



■■8 




p 

■La 



Mr - , Ma 7 returned to Tihran on 18th July 1857, and the stipulated 
-ceremonies and apologies from the Sadr-i-Azam having been duly gone through 
friendly relations were resumed between Persia and England/ Murad Mfrzi 
■£?., . the Pw-s'an troops evacuated Herat ; the English forces at Busbire and 

Kharaj, under General Jacob, were ordered to return to Bombay; and Colonel 
laylor, accompanied by Captain Claud Clerk, was sent on an embassy to Sultan 
Ahmad khan, the new ruler of Herat, in August 1857, to ascertain that the 
provisions of the treaty had been faithfully fulfilled. He was received with all 

Heilt w'lBtMwh : 'lgss ^ th ® DeW ruier in Member. Colonel Taylor left 

Thus ended the Persian war, and so severe was the lesson taught during 
General Outran, a brief campaign that not even the disasters of the Indian 
revolt could induce the blian to venture once more on a rupture with the 
.nglisli Government. It is possible that a movemmfc might have ao-ain 
taken place ui i the direction of Herat; but in May 1858 the Shahzadah com- 
manding in that quarter suffered a severe defeat from the Turkman hordes 
the greater part of his army being destroyed, and several of his ’ 



CHAPTER III. 

* DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE PERSIAN WAR OF 1856*57. 

From the preceding chapter, it will be apparent that the cause of all the 
differences which have occurred between England and Persia — two powers 
whose Interests are so identical — may be comprised in the one word, Herat, 

“ This principality " — the writer of the Persian War of 1856-57 in Black- 
wood's Magazine for September 1861 writes , — u it does not aspire to the 
dignity of a kingdom-lies in the very centre of Asia, and its fortunes might 
be* supposed little entwined with those of the mistress of the seas. There 
are indeed several links in the chain. Herat is situated between Russia 
and India. It does not adjoin Russia, for Persia comes between them.^ It 
does not adjoin India, for Afghanistan comes between. Still Persia might 
act on Herat, Herat on Afghanistan, and Russia, 
Herit the cause of the mysterious power which ever and anon haunts 

ersian war. reveries of our Indian statesmen, might act 

through all three on India. This is the pith of the train of reasoning which 
has induced us to speod many millions of treasure, and many valuable lives, 
in Afghan and Persian wars. Herat, in one of those dangerous epigram- 
matic phrases, has been called the key of India. It is no more the key of 
India than the gateway of a nobleman's deer-park is the key of his castle. 
An army advancing from the westward toward India must certainly occupy 
it. But if Herat refused to throw open her gates, the capture of a central 
Asian city ought not to present many difficulties to a general who aspires to 
measure swords with the British in their own dominions. Herat occupied, 
the invader, so far from having found the key to success, has all his diffi- 
culties before him. £ Deserts/ said Napoleon, i are the most formidable 
frontiers for a state, mountains the next, and rivers the least of all/ But 
India has a river, desert, and a range of mountains on her north-west frontier; 
and five hundred miles of badly-watered, thinly-populated Afghan territory 
lies between this triple barrier and Herat. There may be many a purling 
brook and many an oasis among its hills and sandy plains; but the country 
is generally barren, and our own army, during the Afghan war, was con- 
stantly in great want of supplies, and we never concentrated a tenth of the 
force which would be assembled for an invasion of India. England, however, 
objects to Herat becoming a Persian province, lest Persia should give Russia 
a free passage through its territories. We may, however, be sure that the 
very last people, the English not excepted, whom the Persians would desire 
to see in Herat, if it was her own, would be the Russians ; but if Herat is 
independent, the natural bribe which Russia would offer Persia for a free 
passage through Persia proper would be to put her in possession of this 
coveted dependency. If Russia ever attempt that tremendous march from 
the Caspian to the Indus, she may bribe and overawe the Persians, Turk- 
mans, Heratis, and Afghans, or pit them against one another at first ; but 
she will find that Nicol Jarvis's description of the Highlanders might well 



17 



be applied to the Central Asian tribes : f They may quarrel among themselves 
and gie ilk ilher ill names, or may be a eladi wi' a claymore ; but they are 
v snre to join in the long run against a" civilised folk that wear breaks on their 
hinder ends, and hae purses in their pouches/ If Eastern /diplomat is ts«— 
those at least who desire their country's good, and not to find work for them- 
selves — would sometimes reflect on this inevitable conclusion to their well- 
woven schemes and elaborate treaties, what trouble and difficulties they would 
avoid ! 

Two inodes of operation were open to the British Government to compel 
the Persians to evacuate Herat after it fell to them in October 1S5(5. One was 
to march an army across Afghanistan, and expel the Persians from Herat, 
The difficult v and expense attending such an expedition (which was, however, 
serious! v proposed) would have been enormous. It would have irritated the 
Afghans, and probably brought on another Afghan war. In fact, it would 
have been braving all those difficulties of climate and country which we have 
just alluded to as being the real safeguard of our Indian fro.. tier. The other 
plan was to send an expedition by sea to the head of the Persian Gulf, and 
srize Bush ire, the maritime capital (such as it is) of Persia; from thence 
operations might be directed against the interior; and a march from Bushire 
to Tihran, the capital of Persia, would not be more difficult than a march 
from our Indian frontier to Herat. 

That part of the northern shores of the Indian Ocean which lies west of 
the Indies, as well as the shores of the Sea of Oman and Straits of Ormuz, 
are of a most desolate character. Sandy plains alternate with low rocky 
ranges, entirely destitute of verdure, save when a few date trees cluster round 
brackish wells. Bain seldom falls, as if the clouds declined to waste their 
fertilising treasures on such a thankless soil. Two thousand years ago 
Alexander the Great returned from his Indian expedition across this miserable 
country. His generals in vain remonstrated with him on the difficulties he 
would Vneoun ter ; they only stimulated his desire to achieve what was reck- 
oned impossible by ordinary mortals. He placed part of the army on board 
a fleet under the orders of his favourite Nearehus, and despatched them from 
the Indus, with orders to sail for the Euphrates, and to collect all the inform- 
ation which could be obtained regarding the coast. Part of the journal of 
this voyage has been preserved, and is extremely interesting. At some of 
the villages on the coast the inhabitants lived on nothing but fish. Fresh 
or salt fish served them for animal food, and cakes made of flour ground from 
dried fish was their substitute for bread. The jaw bones of whales were 
considered a valuable building material, and their cattle fed from mangers, 
filled with fish instead of hay or corn. The sailors were greatly terrified by 
the whales which sported around them. We are told that * on one occasion 
the whales appeared so formidable, that the mariners suffered the oars to fall 
from their hands. However, the Admiral encouraged them, and ordered them 
whenever they saw any of these monstrous fish approach, to direct the beaks 
of their ships exactly towards them, as if they were to engage an enemy ii 
a sea-fight; as also to row stoutly, and to make as great a noise as they could 
as well with their voices as their oars. The mariners thus instructed reeov 
cm! from their fright, and upon a given signal plied their oars man fully 
and when they came near the fish, not only shouted as loud as possible* bu 
sounded their trumpets, and beat the sea vehemently with their oars, v/her? 
upon the whales, who were now just under the beaks of their ships, terrific 
with the strangeness of the sound, sunk down to -thehottom of the deep, lb 


18 








. ■ ill ■ 


sailors rejoiced exceedingly at the unexpected deliverance, and with one voice 
applauded the wisdom and courage of the Admiral/ Near elms brought his 
fleet to the head of the Persian Gulf with less damage and difficulty than 
Alexander accomplished his land journey; many of the annv perished miser- 
ably in the desert, or by the hands of the barbarous tribes whose country they 
traversed. 

It was bv the same tract which Nearehus followed that the British 
expedition sailed for the Persian Gulf.* 

The main rendezvous for a force intended to invade Persia from India in 
this maimer would (1856) be Bombay, where there is an ample harbour, and 
abundance of all kinds of military stores. From Bombay to the Straits of 
Ormuz, at the entrance of the Persian Gulf, is 1,'M 0 miles, ami from Ormuz to 
Bush ire, 600 miles. The sea is generally calm, except during the south-west 
mm soon, which blows from the beginning of June till September. liven 
this rarely rises to a gale, and it is only the timid crews of the native craft 
who are afraid to navigate those seas at all times of the year. H 

The immediate arrangements for organizing the expedition Were neces- 
sarily intrusted to Lord Elphinsfcone, Governor of Bombay, a nobleman 
whose capacity for administration had been developed by ten years* experi- 
ence at the head of an Indian Government. Final instructions for the 
despatch of the expedition reached Bombay on the 9th November. The 
expedition got under weigh on the 12th and 13th November, embarking from 
four points, i.e. } Bombay, Karachi, and two smaller ports. Most of the 
soldiers were on board. sailing transports, but they were taken in tow by 
vessels belonging to the Indian Navy, or hired steamers. The force comprised 
Her Majesty 61th Regiment, the 2nd Bombay Europeans, 4th and 20th Native 
Infantry; two squadrons 3rd Native Cavalry, and one squadron Punah Horse; 
3rd Troop Horse Artillery; 3rd and 5th Light Field Batteries; two" companies 
Bombay Sappers and Miners, with a staff of Engineer officers and an Engineer 
Park. The entire number of lighting men was 5, 670, of which 2,270 were 
Europeans, with 3,750 followers, 1,150 horses, and 430 bullocks. There were 
eight Indian Navy steamers, seven steam and thirty sailing transports of the 
largest size under Rear-Admiral Sir 11. Leeke, Commander-in-Chief of the 
Indian Navy. Major-General Stalker, of the Bombay Army, commanded 
the expedition. 

“ On the 21st, head-quarters reached the Straits of Ormuz, and waited four 
days at anchor to reassemble the transports, and make a fresh departure for 
Bus hi re/* 

Whilst the transports were anchored off Kishm, much inconvenience was 
felt from the want of boats. Plans for effecting a landing in the neighbour- 
hood of Bushire were discussed. ^ The plans put forward were to land at Halfla 

Rendezvous of Kishm. or favour of the former plan were — ( i ) the 

water there was known to be good ; (2) the landing 
was said to be easy; (3) it might be expected that the Persians would not 
leave their works to oppose a force in the open. The difficulties of the coast 
about Kashi r were considered by Commodore Ethersey to be considerable. 
Finally, it was resolved to rendezvous the fleet 20 miles below the town of 
Bushire, and to reconnoitre the coast. 

At Kishm it was discovered that doolies and dooly-bearers had been left 
behind, and the opportunity was seized during the halt of making up stretchers. 

* See ficnith- West JPersia, 



19 


From Kishm several of the transports were ordered to sail to the 
Bushire rendezvous* This gave rise to no little confusion, and the end 
of it was that all the engineer officers, half of one of the artillery batteries, 
and two of the cavalry transports were lost sight of for days ; in fact, one 
half battery of artillery and one of the cavalry ships did not arrive until after 
Bushire had fallen, and the engineers only came in time for the landing* 
During the passage strong north-west breezes were experienced, which 
retarded the steamers tugging the transports. The transports anchored in 
Kishm roads without system ; infantry and cavalry ships, store ships, coal 
ships, &c., &e., were huddled together indiscriminately; so that a Brigadier 
or regimental commanding officer found the greatest difficulty in commu- 
nicating with his command. This induced General Stalker to officially 
request the Commodore to so arrange at the next rendezvous that the fleet 
might be anchored in divisions — one of cavalry; a second of artillery ; a 
third, the 1st Infantry Brigade; a fourth, the 2nd Infantry Brigade, 

Rendezvous off Buskire. a naval offi «; r in charge of each division. ' The 

plan was never adopted, for both in the Bushire roads, 
and again in Ilalila Bay, there was the want of arrangement that had bean so 
apparent at Kishm. — •( IFmi/.) 

The flag-ship, the Js^n/e, with head -quarters, brought up the rear, leaving 
Kishm on the 28th November, 

Arrived off Bushire on the *30 th November ; the fleet rendezvoused in full 
view of the town, in Bushire roads, instead of 20 miles down the coast. 
{ Pur description of B ns hire, see South-West Persia.) 

The coast below Bushire was reconnoitred for several miles ; in places it 
was guarded ; generally it was found that a reef of 
e<mfc reconnaissances to roe fc s at 2 Of) yards from the shore ran along tl e whole 
place, 1st to 4th December! wa }b with snaall openings here and there. '1 he coast 
oif Bashir was reconnoitred with like unsatisfactory 
results, the seam of rocks being* found still running parallel to the shore. 

There being a fine low sandy beach immediately south of the Bushire 
batteries, about half a mile in length, where troops could land easily, but 
tinder considerable fire and without much protection from our own ships, which 
could not lie nearer in than 1,200 yards, the Commodore proposed that the force 
should land here, the ships first dost roving the batteries. The objections to this 
plan were that the landing to be openly forced under the lire of the batteries 
and town walls must result in a certain loss; that without boats it was impos- 
sible to land more than a portion of the force in one day ; that the flanks of 
the landing party would he exposed, and the force between two bodies of the 
enemy ; whereas in favour of landing at Ilalila, it might be expected that no 
opposition would be enci untered. Ilalila Bay lies a few miles down the coast 
from Bushire. A reconnaissance of Ilalila Bay was next carried out, and it 
proved to be well suited for the purpose. The hay lias a fine, sloping, hard, 
HaUIa Bay, sandy beach, the landing place between the two ends 

of the reef about 800 yards in length. At high water 
the tide comes up to within about o0 yards of a hard sandy ridge, which, if 
defended, would form excellent cover for matehlockmen. Beyond having to 
wade through water for 4-0 yards, the landing presented no difficulties* The 
small steamers approached the shore to within 200 y ards. The water is good 
and plentiful from small wells .close to the beach. 

As the declaration of war was made at Calcutta on the 1st November,* it 
had not reached Bushire before the arrival of General Stalker. The Persian 


Vide Calcutta Gazette, 1st November 1856. 


20 


Governor of Bushire, whose sway extends all along the coast, is stvled Darya 
Beg, or Lord of the Seas. He expressed a natural surprise at the appearance 
of a hostile fleet in Bushire roadstead. 

The Indian Government, although it gave the Persians very slender warn- 
ing of when it was going to begin, made all its own preparations with a 
praiseworthy deliberation. Besides the collecting of troops and warlike stores 
at Bombay, Captain Wray, Assistant Quarter Master General, and a Com- 
missariat officer, had been despatched to the Persian Gulf in October to spy 
out the laud. Amongst other places Captain Wray visited Bushire, provided 
with compasses, measuring chains, and all the necessary implements for taking 
a survey. This cool attempt to map out the fortifications of a town for whose 
capture a siege train had been already embarked was more than the Resident’s 
sense of propriety could permit. The appearance of these military strangers, 
moreover, created considerable excitement both among the authorities and 
population of Bushire. Captain Jones was not sorry when he had them safely 
re-embarked after a few hours’ sojourn ashore, lie himself remained at his 
official residence until the expeditionary force arrived, removing his office on 
board one of the men-of-war on the 5th December, just live weeks subsequent, to 
t lie declaration of war, and three days previous to the bombardment of Bushire. 
But no insult was offered to him, and the Governor politely escorted him to the 
yAur {see Append ice*). Very much useful and valuable information and intelligence 
were received through the medium of Captain Jones and the staff of his office. 

On the oth December, Major Ilill, Chief Engineer, and the Engineer 
officers joined ih* force. It was now finally arranged that the fleet should 
drop down to Ilah'iu, Bay on the 6th, and the force he landed on the morning of 
the 7th. A committee of officers, composed of Commodore Ethersey, Major 
Orders for timlina. Colonel Younghushand, and Captain Wruv, 

assembled to draw up orders for and to arrange the 
plan of landing. The following gives the chief points of the order published : 

I.— The force is to land in Halfla Bay, about 2 miles east of the village; 
the landing to commence at daybreak ou the 7tli, and in the following order” 

boats, '90’ men") 

6 , 


2nd Brigade in men- 
of-war boats. 


1st Brigade in rnnn- 
'■ of- war boats. 


f Punjab,, 

' | ' Victoria . 

Chmdn ' , 
I Jssaye' 
{^Fcrozc 

( Ajdaha 

I 

■{ Peremee 
| Semiram is 

l 


60 „ > 2nd European Lisrhfc 
2 „ 25 „ J Infantry. 

S ;; ioo ;; 

4 \ SO , 

from Potthiger J 

5 ( 70' „ yilov Majesty's 64th 

2 ( 50 „ j Regiment, 

from Precursor J 



30 boats, 600 men. 


The Assyria stonier with 150 Sappers and Miners, 

Thfe 'Flat with 300 men, 2nd Brigade. 

The larhj Falk (a ad with 200 men, 1st Brigade. 

The Sir Jumetjee Jeejeebhoy with 250 men, 1st Brigade. 

The Bombay with 300 .men, 2nd Brigade. 

Toe above thirty boats and the flats will be towed as near shore as possible 
by the three first named steamers, and they will be east off and pulled in shore 
when the steamers can take them no further. Having landed the men, the 
boats will immediately return to the small steamers, and land as many more men 
as possible. 


£i 


The four gunboats to cover the landing will be also taken in tow by the 
above steamers. On nearing the shore, the gun -boats will take up positions, 
two on each flank of the landing-place ; the other boats not to pull in until the 
' gun-boats are prepared for action. 

In the meanwhile, four gunboats and one spun son boat, each from the 
Punjab ami Assay e, the two paddle box boats of the Ajdaha, and the two large 
boats belonging to the Raja of CoeJtin and Mel bourne will he employed in 
landing a battery of artillery. These boats will be towed by the Bombay. After 
landing their cargo, the boats to be pulled back to the Bombay, and the whole 
towed back by her for the horse artillery. 

The boats belonging to artillery ships to be sent at daylight to head-quarters : 
£nd Brigade, and cavalry ships’ boats to be sent to head-quarters 1st Brigade, 
to. assist in landing' infantry.; 

After the first line of boats has left the ships, these boats will he filled with 
infantry, also the boats of the Precursor, Result, ami Maria Gray* 

Tiie small steamers when cleared will put back to assist in towing up 
boats. 

The Remit is appointed hospital ship, and the -Melbourne store ship. 

The Assyria will go in the morning to the: Arthur the ■ Great' and Thames 
City for the Sappers, having left the Hat alongside the Feroze . She will after- 
wards return to the Feroze for the flat, and take her in tow, together with boats 
ol Assay e, Feroze, and C/m&m. 

The Bombay will go to the Feroze for orders about infantry ; then hack to 
the Melbourne to take the artillery boats in tow, together with the boats of the 
Assays. 

The Lady Falkland will go to the head-quarters 1st Brigade in the PiMinger 
for orders. She will then take in tow the boats of the Ajdaha, Berenice , and 
one of the Sc mini mis. 

The Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhng will also go to the head-quarters 1st Brigade, 
and afterwards tow in one boat of the Semiramis and six boats of the Victoria, 
and three of the Punjab . 

By 8 P.H., 6th, every officer, military and naval, who had any leading part 
to play, had their orders in detail for the morning. The Fleet Captains under- 
stood the whole thing directly. Each man took down his order in a few 
minutes in the Flag Captain’s office, and well they carried them out. Every- 
thing prospered, and by 7 next morning the first boats were full and ready to 
shove off ; everything went well, and all was well done, owing to the exertions 
of all concerned and good management. 

At about 7-30 a.m., on the 7th, the boats shoved off, pulling in line, the gun- 
. boats in advance clearing a date grove of the enemy 

mg operations. \>y tlieir fire. The first party to land numbered 600 

infantry and a few guns; in two hours nine guns, with four horses each, and 
their wagons, had been landed, whereupon an advance was made to the date 
groves, £ miles inland. 

At 1 p.m. the force advanced to the neighbourhood of the Half la village, 
where is a camping ground, with wells of good water, and bivouacked there. 
During the night the head-quarters of the 3rd Cavalry reached the camp. The 
night was fine, but cold. 

During the 8th landing operations were continued throughout the day, and 
by evening had sufficiently advanced to allow of plans being formed for the 
operations of the 9th. These were to the effect that Captain Jones, Political 
Officer, should call upon the Governor of Bus hire to surrender the town. To 


. 










effect its surrender, It was arranged that gunboats should, force the creek to 
PUn nf the north-east of the town, so as to cut off the retreat ; 

I? 1 that the land forces should assault the town from the 
south and south-east, the fleet opening the bombardment when they, the troops, 
had arrived at a distance of 2 miles from the town walls. These arrangements 
were not carried out ; no attempt was made to force the creek, and the hoiwbaid- 
ment commenced when the land forces were 6 miles from the town walls, and 
the garrison escaped. 

At 8 A.M.j on the 9th, the advance guard, composed of 2 companies of the 

Want Of information. f nd Eu ™If “ Light Infantry under Captain II. Wil- 
loughby ; 2 troops, 3rd Light Cavalry, under Captain 
Forbes; 2 guns, 3rd Troop Horse Artillery, under Lieutenant Gibhard, accom- 
panied by Captain Wray, Assistant Quarter Master General, and Lieutenant 
Johnson, interpreter, marched in the direction of Bushire. Up to this time the 
troops were unaware that the fort of Rasim* was held in force, and had only 
heard rumours of its existence. At 9-30 a m. the village of Imamzada was 
reached. The villagers professed friendship, but on the left was seen the old 
Butch fort of Rasim* strongly occupied. This fort, or rather earthen redoubt, 

. An P , t w is rectangular in plan, with sides approximately 200 
yards and dull yards in length; its parapet of some 
height, proof against field artillery; its interior well defiladed ; its ditch deep f« r 
a field redoubt, from 50' to 100' wide at the ground level, with slopes that were 
onee steep and inaccessible, but which from neglect were passable at several 
points. It was garrisoned by from 400 to 500 Tangastauis and other tribesmen 
living in the vicinity of Bushire under the Taugastani Chief, Bnukar Khan. 
The ground inside the fort was much broken, and that in its front is a succession 
of hard ridges. Soil, sand and rock. The rear face of the fort rests on the 
cliffs, here high, perpendicular, and inaccessible. The advanced guard took 
up a position on broken ground about 400 yards from the fort; the infantry 
extended, with their left resting on the outskirts of the village of Rashir. 

Cavalry were posted on the right so as to cut off all retreat to Bushire, 
and the guns unlimbered ; and in this position the advent of the main body 
was awaited. The enemy becoming bold by the delay, occupied in force the 
ruins outside the fort. 

To drive them back into the fort, the artillery opened upon them with ease 
whereupon a close tire of musketry from the fort was commenced with siieh 
good effect that our forces retired 200 yards, followed by the Tangastauis "who 
skirmished in an admirable manner. 

The arrival of the main body at this time caused the Persians to retreat 
into the fort. Both brigades deployed and opened fire, the 4 th Rifles ( Bombay) 
occupying the village oE Basln'r, and touching the coast ; the 2nd Brigade 
storming the left breach, the Biluchis being on the extreme left. Both the 
field artillery and the men-of-war now opened fire upon the fort. The fort was 
at once assaulted, and its defenders either killed or driven out. The General 
formed his force so as to encircle the redoubt as much as possible and prevent 
escape; while two columns, one of the 2nd Bombay Europeans, and the other 
of the 64 th Regiment and 25 th Native Infantry, were to give the assault —the 
former at the north-east angle, the latter on the east or landward side. ’ 

The cavalry were placed on the right close to the sea. 

Had the fort been in repair and properly defended, its capture would have 
been most difficult to a force, except by escalade. The Tangastauis had con- 
tented themselves with digging rifle pits on the top of the parapet These 




they defended resolutely, fighting to the last. Giving quarter was not under- 
stood ? and .many were shot in flight.- , 

Brigadier- General Stopford was killed leading the assault at the head of 
the 1st Brigade (tUthand 20th), and Lieutenants Warren and Utfcerson, 20th 
Native Infantry, were shot within the fort, and Captain Wood, 20th Native 
Infantry, wounded. The cavalry cut up the fugitives escaping along the beach, 
and here Colonel Malet was treacherously killed by a man to whom he had 
given quarter. 

The man-of-war shelled the fort from about a mile off shore, but it is ques- 
tionable whether their fire was of any effect. Most of the killed fell by the 
musket or bayonet,. 

Amongst the slain were the s m and nephew of Baukar Ivhan. About half 
of the tribe was killed ; and, when later on he was called upon to take the field, 
he replied that they had better first send husbands for all the wives in his 
clan, The fate of these men did not offer much encouragement to the sur- 
rounding population to take up arms against the British. They were regarded 
with much justice as having been recklessly sacrificed by the Governor 
of Bush ire, who threw these undisciplined levies, with a few rounds of 
ammunition for their matchlocks and a few bags of dates for food, into an 
isolated post, where they were''. easily cut off, and which there was really very 
little use of occupying at all. Some of the neighbours went so far as to say 
that the Governor, being a pure Persian, looked upon the slaughter of two or 
three hundred Tangastanis, who were half Persians, half Arabs, as no great 
loss to the Persian empire. ‘ 

After the occupation of Bushire, Baukar Khan, the chief of the] Tangas- 
finis, secretly favoured the British, and gave much valuable intelligence as to 
the movements of the enemy. 

A store of dates was found in the fort. 

Leaving the 1311 deli regiment to hold the fort, the force quitted it and 
bivouacked outside, facing Bushire, the right resting on the village of Imam- 
zada, the left towards the fort. The village was held by three companies of 
the 61th. 

During the night the Commissariat landed provisions and ammunition 
from the Melbourne , and the sick and wounded were removed to the Result, 
hospital ship. These vessels had accompanied the force on its march, keeping 
parallel with it, and were now anchored off Bashir. 

The best water is obtained from wells about a mile from the fort on the 
Bushire road. 

( For despatch in full, see a Calcutta Gazette 33 of 7th January 1857.) 

At 8 a.m,, on the 10th, the column resumed its march towards Bushire; the 

... „ r . advance party, 50 ii yards in front, consisting of the 

Punah Horse, 2 guns Horse Artillery, and T companies 
of the 6Tth Regiment. The main body advanced in mass of columns, right in 
front, a detachment oE the 3rd Cavalry forming the rear-guard. 

Before the columns started, the bombardment of Bushire by the fleet com- 
menced, contrary to the pre-arranged programme. No enemy was seen until 
the tower recently built at about 1 mile from the town to protect the wells was 
reached. The General now deployed the 1st Brigade, the 2nd following in 
contiguous columns, with artillery on either flank. 

Without waiting for the near approach of the troops, the Persians aban- 
doned the tower and beach batteries outside the walls. The tower was of 
masonry, of recent construction, a solid foundation enclosed at the top by a 
masonry parapet pierced for guns. A steep ramp lead up to the gateway, on 




■ 


each side of which was a small guard-room. Halting for a few minutes at 
the tower, 4- companies of the 2nd European Light Infantry, No. 3 Li<>Lt Field 
Battery, and the Sappers were sent off to the left to occupy the deserted heaeh 
batteries, and to establish a lodgment there prior to breadline the tow.i 
walls. & 

The men-of-war now ceased to fire, and the troops advanced to within 5(10 
yards of the walls, the 1st Brigade in line, with No, 5 Light Field Battery t > 
the right ; the 2nd Brigade in. second line, in contiguous columns, finally joined 
the first line. The horse artillery and eava'ry halted on the right front, near 
the creek to intercept the enemy's flight, who, in the absence of any gunboats 
in the creek, were crosslng in boats. 

Without further operations the town capitulated, the garrison, about 2 000 
regular troops, marching out and delivering up their arms. The uext’day 
they were dismissed. Their muskets were all stamped with the Tower-mark 
and had been presented by the English to the Persian Government in former 
days, when we wished to strengthen Persia as a barrier against Russia. 

Russian intrigue and Persian acquiescence in it were compelling us in fact 
to pud down what it had been the policy of previous generations to build up 
at no small cost of trouble and expense. ‘ 

The force returned to their previous bivouac at the wells. The party of 
Sappers threw up a battery in the deserted beach batteries. Had the town 
held out, it would have been occupied by the 0-pr. battery, and the town walls 
battered at a range of from 200 to 300 yards. The ships’ fire had done little 
damage to the town walls and batteries, and very few of its defenders wen; 
killed. The work on the height outside the town was a formidable and hi<> h 
mound of stilt' earth with raised batteries on it ; the embrasures were stremHh- 
ened by date stumps firmly driven into the ground; the front and cheeks were 
further strengthened by sugar baskets filled with sand, gabions, &e. There 
was a masked battery inside the town near the Residency, also very st-ron* and 
similarly 'const rue ted.. . , J ' b *' 

The town itself was defended by a wall of no military importance w ith 
round towers, at about musket range intervals, for flank defence and has n„ 
ditch._ Situated on a sandy spot, the sea washes two faces, and a swampy creek 
the third ; at times, at high tide, the sandy plain, to- the south is covered to * 
depth of a few inches. " 

The large guns had been collected together and ranged, all loaded to the 
muzzle, just inside the town gate, ready for < ur storming, party. There was u 
similar row near the Govern r’s house. Those in the towers were full Vf 
shot : one contained three 12-pr. shot and one 6-pr.shot, with a cartridge about 
half a yard long. Borne of the cannons were good and serviceable (ofFm-lish 
and Tihran manufacture) ; but they were uncared for, and their carriaoes in 
very bad order. J he magazine dose to the Sadder Bazar caused the inhabit 
ants to fear a bombardment, for the effects of a shell landing in it would have 
been fatal to the town ; for it was lying in the utmost confusion— loose powder 
cases of musket halls, shot and shell, grape and canister. 1 ' * 

„ , Tlu r sfm f'L f at « ° f the ^wn was very bad. Many of the inhabitants had 
fled. In a lew. days they returned, and the place began then to be well sud- 
plied with provisions. 1 

On llth December the head-quarters were established at the Kelat tower 
where the Darya Beg and Commnnder-in-Chief were kept prisoners until they 
could be removed to the A stage for passage to Bombay. 3 

the beach aUt k° atS ^ St ° reS Was 8 ' reat) and mu ch confusion resulted at 




W u - 


IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD Of* 

B U S H ! R E. 

Approximate Seale 1 Inch. — I Mil 


Marshv plain otsriooded in many places at high water spring tides extending 
from 4 to 5 miles • towards the country and hounded by ' a sandy desert without 
water for a further distance of 5 miles. 




....... .... . 


Tabu UtncL yri£h. rn+och? brok<in/ qrovuixT/ 



.A, "'m&mfa'o, w ^ 


f~~ ^y YULotjgt. of Itruxm %oufjxh. 




o o o 


iSUSHtRE^'" 


O A N‘«IX‘s» 


GUI Dvctc/i, Tort 


Line ot coast very irregular and indented with Bays. There are several email 
villages 12 or 13 miles scattered over the table land of Bushire, 


KB. 097 I&88. 
J.AA. 


Y ilZauf c of 

Ji~a.b6l.cL- ; 






About ilia 14th matters began to improve ; 15th, the <*amp shifted. Posts of 
Events cavalry were established 2 miles to the front. Reports 

'"' 0; l ' were to the effect that the enemy were moving down 

upon Bushire. They were supposed to be at Farrashband, above the Haft 
Mill a pass, and on this side of Fimzabad. The camp was entrenched (see page 28). 
On the 20th an armed reconnaissance was pushed to Tihsiya, about lb miles 
from Bushire. The party was composed of 2 troops 3rd Cavalry, the Punah 
Horse, and 2 guns Horse Artillery, accompanied by Lieutenant Ballard, Intel- 
ligence Officer, Captain Wray, Assistant Quarter Master General, and Major 
Hill, r.e*, Commanding Royal Engineer, &c., &c. Starting at 6 a.m., 
Chahgadak, 14 miles distant over the barren Sat, was reached at 10 30 a.m., and 
Tihsiya at 1*30 p.m. Returning at 2-30 p.m,, camp was reached before dark 
after a march of 36 miles. The objects of the expedition were to bring to view 
our troops and guns, and to warn the villagers to bring in supplies and informa- 
tion on pain of tire and sword. The road to Chahgadak lies across the great, 
hard, mud flat, the Marshxla ; beyond, the level is covered with camel-thorn, 
A good deal of the land is cultivated, but the villagers had deserted their 
holdings. Its mud fort with corner bastions, not constructed for guns, is not 
of importance. From it Abram, another mud fort near the fort of the Tang-i- 
B a wash pass, the head -quarters of Baukar Khan, Chief of the Tangastanis, was 
visible. On December 25th the enemy were reported to have reached Kalima, 
above the Haft Miila pass. 

The north-eastern shore of the Persian Gulf is very flat for about 30 
miles from the sea, when a range of hills rises very 
the Per81im abruptly from the plain. Through these some difficult 
passes lead to the central plateau, which composes the 
greatest portion of the Persian dominions. Wheeled vehicles are never 
used for the purpose of carrying merchandise across these hills. The steep 
narrow paths on the direct routes are sometimes barely practicable for a laden 
mule ; but there am more circuitous routes by which artillery can be taken, 
as the Persians themsehes brought a considerable train from Shiraz to the 
low country during this war. The country both above and below the passes 
is barren, not always from the want of natural fertility, but from the absence 
of population ; for there are large districts which in former days were thickly 
inhabited, but now are almost perfect deserts. There has been a process of 
decay going on in these regions (including the valley of the Euphrates and 
Tigris, of which the Persian Gulf is a continuation), not altogether to be 
accounted for by the evils of misgovernment ; for we have no proof that the 
government has deteriorated, or at any rate deteriorated in the proportion in 
which the population has died out. Nineveh and Babylon have long been 
buried beneath the earth, save when some descendant of savage tribes, whom 
Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus never heard of, has scraped away the dust from 
above their palaces. Persepolis, situated between Bushire and Shiraz, has 
never so entirely lost her ancient glory as to have required a foreign hand to 
bring her faded relies to the light of day ; but total silence reigns amid the 
ruins of the city from which Alexander the Great took 25,000 muleloads of 
plunder. Shustar, a small town at the confluence of the Karun and Dizful, 
stands on the site of Slmsan, the palace whence King Ahasuerus wrote orders 
to the rulers of a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, to every province 
according to the writing thereof, and laid a tribute upon the land and upon 
the isles of the sea. Within the present century the population of the town 
of Bassorahj situated about 40 miles below the junction of the Tigris and 








M 

i^iti 


Euphrates, has dwindled from 100,000 to 30,000 inhabitants. A small village 
called Korna, situated at the junction of these two rivers, occupies the site of 
the Garden of Eden ; but the spot is now much more like the Eden of Martin 
Chuzzlewit than the Eden of the Bible. On the spot where there flourished 
every tree that is pleasant to the eye and good for food, a few tall dates and 
yellow reeds alone remain ; while of all the beasts which Adam named, pigs 
and mosquitoes alone seem to linger in the cradle of their race. The staple 
article of food along the upper shores of the gulf and banks of the lower 
Tigris is dates. These are consumed in great quantities, both by man and 
beast. Horses, dogs, and camels all enjoy this nutritious food ; and the little 
foxes, as they wander of a morning among the date groves, instead of attempt- 
ing to reach the clusters hanging high above their heads, or in their disap- 
pointment pronouncing them sour, wait patiently till a breeze of wind rustles 
among the fan-like branches, and shakes the ripened fruit. The dates for 
general use are not preserved separately like those which usually find their way 
to this country, but are thrust into bags made of mats, and soon adhere to one 
another, forming a sticky paste. ■ 

With the exception of a regiment of native infantry, the British force 
was not quartered in Bushire itself, but in an intrenched camp which they 
constructed about 1 \ miles from the walls. This was a more healthy locality, 
and more convenient for obtaining a good supply of water, as all the water 
used in the town has to be brought a distance of 2 miles. The water-carriers 
are usually women, who thus become capable of undergoing great bodily fatigue. 
This accomplishment was much prized by our Bikieh soldiers, who are accustom- 
ed to leave all the hard work at home to be done by their better halves. Several 
matrimonial alliances were entered into by them, as they considered that any 
one who had the good fortune to obtain the hand of a Bushire beauty became 
possessed both of a wife to solace his cares and a donkey to carry his burdens. 
The liberated garrison of Bushire took the road to Shiraz, which is situated 
above the passes, about 1 50 miles from Bushire. Being 
^Occupation of Bushire, unarme( ^ they kept well together, for the Persian soldier 
is not on very good terms with his countrymen. The 
blame does not entirely rest with the poor soldier, for he must live ; and his 
superiors do not always give him a sufficiency of the staff of life, so he occasion- 
ally helps himself* to what should be provided in a regular way. The soldiers 
are also sometimes called in to assist in collecting taxes, which are not more 
willingly paid in Persia than elsewhere, especially if the governor of a district, 
in addition to the King's taxes, wishes to levy a small rate for his own private 
expenses. The liberated prisoners, therefore, did not altogether expect to be 
received by their countrymen as gallant, but unfortunate, defenders of their 
country. They had only got out of the fire into the frying-pan, and the un- 
armed party from Bushire kept together to Shiraz, where they were again 
reorganized and furnished with arms sent from Tihrau. 

We have already stated that the Persian Government, although they heard 
0 . .. of the capture of Bushire before receiving the absolute 

. P-r-hon, deelarat 4 of warj had still been » ofc altogethe £ 

ignorant that some such ^operation was contemplated by the British. They 
had been informed by the officials on the coast of the constant passing to 
and fro of our steamers, and straws of that kind gave an indication of the 
wind which was likely to blow. About five regiments (or 4,000 men) had 
been collected at Shiraz under an officer called the Shuja-ul-Mulk, and the 


27 


'jj/m 


feudal chiefs, especially the Ilkhaai, or chief of the “ Ik/' or wandering 
tribes, had been summoned to his standard. These a Ils " form a nomad 
population in the midst of the regular settled inhabitants. The term u 11 3 
denotes a nomad tribe; “lliyafcs," a man belonging to an “II" The 
Uiyats pass the summer in the high ranges of hills, where there is plenty 
of rood for their cattle. As winter and its snows approach, they sow some 
patches of grain, and then descend to the low country, where they remain until 
the spring is well advanced, and the pastures and corn are springing up luxu- 
riantly from ground well moistened by the melting snow. 

The Government had also collected some supplies of flour and ammunition 
at the villages of Borasjan and Chahkuta in the low country — the former 
45, the latter 80 miles from Bush ire* The amount of ammunition would 
not be considered as indicating a very provident spirit on the part of any 
other Government than that of Persia, for there were not above one thousand 
rounds of cannon shot, and some fifteen or twenty tons of gunpowder ; but as 
all this had to be brought on the back of mules by difficult roads for 300 miles, 
it was of considerable value. General Stalker resolved to send out a party 
to destroy the stores at Chahkuta, which were lodged in a small fort. The 
magazine at Borasjan was in a larger fort, which a few men might hold for 
two or three days against any force not provided with 

Want of transport. siege artillery; and as there was no transport with .the 
British force, it was impossible to undertake anything where a large supply of 
ammunition and a few days' provision would require to be carried for some 
distance {Blackwood'). 

The enemyk intention was stated to he to march on Bushire via Borasjan, 
Chahkuta, and Chahgadak. The General proposed to march on Borasjan and 
destroy the depots, but desisted from doing so, not being sure of the sincerity 
of professed good intentions of the informant, Baukar Khan, Chief of the 
Tangastanis. 

, To destroy the Chahkuta dep6t, on the 1st January 

Expedition to C atkuta. ^57 a p ar ty 0 f the strength below were detailed : 

3rd Cavalry under Captain. Forbes ; the Punah Horse under Colonel Tapp; 
3 guns. Horse Artillery, Captain Blake, with Lieutenant Ballard, Intelligence 
Officer, Captain IV ray, Assistant Quarter Master General, and Captains Hancock 
and Good fellow. 

Leaving .camp at 3 A.ivr., Chahgadak was reached at 7-30 a.m., and 
Chahkuta at 10-3:2 a.m, The country between the two latter places is an open 
plain covered with camel-thorn. There is a deep muddy nala & miles from 
Chahkuta, difficult during this, the rainy season, but dry in the summer. 

Stores of ammunition, barley, wheat, and flour were found ; 30,000 lbs. of 


powder were blown up. The attempt to destroy the grain was but partially 


successful Leaving at 5 p.m. ? camp was reached at 11 P.M., the party having 
marched a distance of 44 miles. 

The following account of this expedition is taken from Blackwood *$ 
Magazine; u The inhabibants of Chahkuta and most villages near Bushire aie 
Arabs by descent and language, and have little sympathy with their Persian 
sovereign or fellow- subject. The chief, or * Shaikh/ Hussain by name, would 
no doubt have made us very welcome to the stores (supposing he had no 
chance of being able to appropriate them himself) ; but there was a Persian 
commissary in charge, before whom he considered it necessary to make some 
show of attempting to save the property committed to his care. Accordingly, 
when Colonel Tapp, after the usual complimentary inquiries, proceeded to 


M 




WHBHB m 


business, tbe Shaikh listened with well-feigned astonishment to his questions 
regarding the whereabouts of the ammunition* * What could have put such 
an idea into the head of General Stalker as to suppose that there . was any 
magazine in the wretched little fort of Cbahkuta ? The Colonel rnierht look 
round and see/ &e., &c. When at last he was told we would look round and 
hum the whole fort if we did not find a magazine, the Shaikh gave the commis- 
sary a look, which implied, c l have done all I could, and you see it is no 
use/ and slowly moved towards the magazine. Lieutenant (icodfellow of the 
Engineers made arrangements for destroying it; hut to avoid injuring the fort, 
or rather the Shaikh’s apartments, which were in it, and the village generally, 
a quantity of the ammunition boxes were carried out to the open plain, the 
villagers being called on to assist in tran sport mg th em , which they did willing- 
ly emmgh, when the object was explained to them. They still more willingly 
availed themselves of permission to carry away as much grain and flour as they 
could before it was burned, or attempted to be burned ; for grain is not easily 
destroyed when collected in large quantities. The explosion which took place 
on the ignition of several tons of gunpowder was very fine. The troops return- 
ed to Bushire before 9 o'clock that evening. The guide who accompanied them, 
a man of 12 or 14- stone weight, rode all the distance, upwards of TO miles, on 
a small donkey ; yet such is the endurance of these little beasts, that it seemed 
quite fresh to the last. They are the usual baggage animals attached to Persian 
regiments, and answer the purpose well, as one man can look after fifteen or 
twenty of them on a march. 

Between the 1st and 15th January, Slufl to the north-north-east of 
Bushire was visited, and the creek behind Shaikh Sa'ad explored. Shiff is a 
good landing place at high water (see Military Report on South-West Persia). 
There is no water there or along the line Shiff- Boras jan. 

On January 20th the enemy were reported to have descended the pass to 
Nanizak and Borasjan in numbers estimated at 8,000 to 10,000 men, with 11 to 
15 guns, with the intention of advancing on Bushire. The liberated garrison 
of Bushire, allowed to go where they pleased, had taken the road to Shiraz, 
where they were reorganized and reequipped. These men formed part of this 
‘'force. 

The Bushire camp was well entrenched with ten 12-pr,and four large siege 
guns in position. 

The entrenchment consisted of a simple ditch about 3' deep and 6 / in width, 
with a parapet composed of the excavated earth. The camp itself, situated 
rather more than a mile to the south of the town, stretched across the isthmus, 
and faced Bushire. A cavalry picket, about 2 miles towards the hills, was the 
duly outpost necessary to its security. 

On 20th January Sir James Outram, with his staff, arrived in the Sew ir ami * , 
and assumed chief command. On the 50th and 31st the 78th Highlanders 
and 28th Native Infantry arrived. 

Supplies of all descriptions were plentiful and good in camp, and the inhab- 
itants, both of the town and neighbourhood, were evidently pleased at the 
British occupation. The kind treatment and ready money payments received 
from the British troops contrasted most favourably with .the exactions levied 
by the previous Persian garrison. 

On the arrival of Sir James Outram, KiC.B., of the Bombay Army, in 
Bombay (22nd December), armed with full diplomatic powers (General Stalker 
had no diplomatic powers, and had been instructed to refer to Calcutta in case of 



necessity), the following troops were placed at his disposal by the Government 
as reinforcements, and to form the 2nd Division of the army in Persia, viz. — 

14th King's Light Dragoons* I 78th Highlanders. 

1,000 Sind Horse (Jacob’s). j 23rd Native Light Infantry. 

28th Native Infantry, 

and a light battalion composed of ten light companies of different native 
regiments not employed with the field force. Major-General Stalker, e.B., 
remained in command of the 1st Division at Bus hi re, with Brigadiers Wilson, 
64th, and Honner, 4*tli Bombay Rifles, under his orders as Infantry brigadiers; 
Brigadier Tapp in command of Cavalry, and Brigadier Trevelyan of Artillery. 

The 1st Division consisted of Her Majesty's 61th Regiment, 2nd Bombay 
European Regiment, 4th and 20th Regiments of Native Infantry, the 2nd 
Bilueh Battalion, the head-quarters and 2 squadrons 3rd Regiment Bombay 
Light Cavalry, and 2 troops Punah Irregular Horse, a troop of Horse Artil- 
lery, 2 companies of European Field Artillery and Reserve Artillery, with the 
head-quarters and 2 companies of Bond say Sappers and Miners. 

Brigadier-General Havelock, C.B., Deputy Adjutant-General, Her Majesty's 
Forces in India, was appointed to command the 2nd Division, with Brigadier 
Hamilton, 7hth Highlanders, and Brigadier Hale, Bombay Army, for its two 
brigades, composed as follows : 

1st Brigade — 

78th Highlanders. 

26th Native Infantry. 

2nd Brigade — 

23rd Native Light Infantry. 

The Light Battalion. 

Brigadier of Cavalry — Colonel Steuart, I4th Light Dragoons : 

14th King’s Light Dragoons. 

3rd Regiment Sind Horse. 

Brigadier of Artillery — Brigadier Hill : 

One troop of horse artillery. 

Two field batteries. 

Brigadier-General Jacob, C.B., Sind Horse, commanded the cavalry of 
both divisions; all under the command of Lieutenant-General (temporary 
rank) Sir James Out-ram, k.c.b. f ' 

The transports having on board the 78th Highlanders and 26; h Native In- 
fantry in tow of steamers, also carrying troops, leaving Bombay on the* afternoon 
of the 19th January, were off Bassadore, at the entrance to the Gulf, on the 
Bath, and anchored off Bushire on the evening of the 30th. The troops landed 
-on the 31st with no baggage except their bedding. 1 

Proponed, plan of operations (Ip Sir James Outram). 

The force already despatched to Persia was as follows : 

1st Brigade of Infantry . 

One European regiment 
One Native regiment. 

2nd Brigade of Infantry . 

One European regiment 
Two Native regiments. 


30 



Brigade of Artillery* 


On© troop of Hors© Artillery. 

One company of Foot Artillery. 
One battalion of Reserve Artillery. 


Engineer Department , including two companies of Sappers. 
Brigade of Cavalry* 


Two squadrons of Regular Cavalry. . y * . 

' One sqnjdim .of Irri^niar :€ayal.ry.;: . 

2nd Brigade of Infantry, the Brigade of Cavalry, and all the Artillery, 
the Horse Troop and portion of sappers, to occupy Bushire, affording 
detachments for Kharaj and other Commissariat depots. 

The 1st Brigade of Infantry, troop of Horse Artillery, and portion of Sappers 
to be re-embarked, and proceed with the war steamers to occupy Muhammarah 
the Karun river, where no opposition can be offered which would not be put 
rn by the fire from the shipping. 

The troops at Bushire to be reinforced by two regiments of Native Inian- 

from India. . 

Those at Muhammarah to be reinforced by one regiment of Sind Horse, 
two squadrons of Dragoons, and one regiment of Native Infantry, two com- 
panies of Foot Artillery, with detail of mountain guns in addition, to be 
shipped from India direct. - , . . , . , 

Pending the arrival of these reinforcements, competent officers to be detached 
cavalry escort to survey the roads from Bushire towards Shiraz, and 
others to ascend the Karun river in steamers guarded by infantry to survey the 
country towards Shustar, while carriage, cattle, supplies, &c., were to be pre- 
pared for the coming reinforcements. When all were assembled at their 
respective camps at Bushire and Muhammarah, the European regiment, one 
regiment of Native Infantry, and the two squadrons of the 3rd Regiment of 
~valry, with some mountain artillery, to advance from Bushire to Khisht, 

* miles on the Shiraz road— a position well calculated for an army during 
the hot months, being a flat plateau elevated 2,000 feet above the sea, with 
water and wood in abundance. 

With reference ro the expedition to Khislit, Sir James Outram wrote to Gen- 
eral Stalker : “1 hope you will think the move on Khisht advisable. Being so 
it ought to he more healthy than Bushire for the Europeans, and the 
t there would be regarded at Tiliran as the advanced guard of the 
army they will hear is coming from India. 

In the meanwhile pray contrive to make it be believed that our sole object 
for the present is the seizure of Shiraz, and that you are only waiting the 
reinforcements from India to advance. 

« X hope that you wilt be able to effect a survey as far as Khisht, &c., &e. 

From Muhammarah the 1st Brigade and all the cavalry, horse artillery, 
and mountain guns to march up the Karun river to Shustar, supplied on the 
inarch by the Commissariat in the steamers. 

The additional native regiment and proportion of foot artillery to occupy Mu- 
hammarah, and to furnish guards to the several fuel stations to be established 
on the river as the army ascends it. The positions of Shustar and Khisht to be 
occupied during the hot season while preparations are made for the additional 
forces to be supplied before October next, when operations in the interior would 
commence. 


SI 




In this interval Colonel Jacob would be occupied at Shustarin the organiz- 
ation of Turkish Arabian levies, formed on the nucleus of the regiment of Sind 
Horse, to aid him in which duty, well qualified officers would be placed under 
him. 

During the hot season, moreover, strong cavalry patrols would escort the 
Quarter Master General's Department in surveying the roads in advance. 

The advantage of holding both the advanced positions of Shu star and Khishfc* 
besides affording healthy and easily supplied sites for the European troop® 
during the hot season, was that it would cause the Persian Government to 
apprehend invasion from both points, and compel defensive preparations on 
both routes, between which, communication is so difficult, as to preclude the 
possibility of their armies uniting on either line in time to oppose the advance 
of the English army, choosing, as they could do, whichever line of advance 
they should find most feasible, and rapidly withdrawing the troops from either 
quarter, and assembling the whole army on the other base of operations, ready 
to advance before the enemy could be capable of effecting a corresponding 
Junction of its army on the threatened line of advance; this rapid change of 
formation being easily effected by the aid of the steamers, and previously pro- 
vided means of carriage. 

The effect of menacing invasion from two different quarters, threatening 
Isfahan on the one side and Shiraz on the other, the active preparations for 
which, during the hot season, would doubtless be greatly exaggerated at 
Tihran, would possibly be to terrify the Shah into submission, whilst at the 
same time the army would be most advantageously placed for carrying on the 
war, should such be necessary. 

The views of General John Jacob, c.B., with regard to the plan for 
operating in Persia are given in the following extracts of a letter to Lord 
Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay, dated Karachi, 1st March 18^7: 

“ My own opinion with regard to the plan of proceeding is not at all in 
favour of making a rush through the hills into the interior of Persia in the 
hope of frightening the Shah into submission. 

“ Russia would not fail at once to see and inform the Persian Government 
of our faully position, with the sea for our base, barren countries all round the 
isolated valley in which we are operating, immense ranges of mountains across 
our communications with the sea, and across the line of onr further advance. 

“ Under such circumstances, the wisest advice which Russia could give as 
our enemy and to our enemy would be — ‘ Induce them to advance into the 
interior as far as you can ; every step they take must render ultimate success 
less and less possible for them/ I would not advise any such course, but 
would occupy the whole maritime provinces between the mountains and' the 
sea, from the Euphrates to Bandar Abbas, This would give us, either in our 
own possession or in that of perfectly friendly allies, the whole line of land 
communication between the Mediterranean and India, and render us independ- 
ent of Egypt and of French influence there. 

“ I would inform the Shah that, he not having afforded us the satisfaction 
which we required, and which we had a right to require, we intended to keep 
this country permanently, and to annex it for ever to the British Empire. 

1 “ Khuzistan would undoubtedly prove a most valuable possession to us, 
while the ancient wealth and ancient history of Ormuz seem to me to prove 
that Bandar Abbas is the natural outlet for the whole commerce of Persia by 
sea. The interior of the country must undoubtedly be more accessible from j 

that port than from any other. * \ 





/ I Persian 

V CAMP j 


Yfo 


.§f ^ 




■-. - x z 


f—M A&V&TzC.G o/' > Jl 
r^i British. troo'ps !! 


^ ‘ £z / rz i 
^Cr * »?%•? 7 rf cr. -*r_ 










PERU 2L /^sZ- 


^ ^ #4^ ' #JbvA- 

^ifeu. AJ oam^Sc- -ri^-^T-^rr.- 


W /5Wrzec£ /or/ 


.’ .. “ s 

/ » X 


AJ W"*% 


3^ / 






' \ 

PERSIAN \^ 




•v^-V 


— - — f. — ^ —a ~ 


C AMP 




IjMlfH A MM A RAH;j- - -TT — 




Bj TZV 










>,^i| 




tagssil W ^«r ^ 






A p 








■^gs*^ Ku'x far.. 




ygg?*~ : ~.f ~=rb 




XZ-~- 







' — ~f~ 




cr> i»c.M5 


ABADAN 


BOUGH SKETCH 


>x. 

^5** 


ATTACK ON THE BATTERIES 


: =>v 


— . ^ ^ ^ Xi.r*«4>'r <7, a J<? v W&y$ c? r* ~~ ~ ' '~~ ~ 


-JVE ^X 


T „JT" ’ -> V Se.miramis ^ 

~ ~. — ..“ <<S£YHAiW 




Victoria *®( 


PAlKUWO 






Note. — T his was compiled ehie&y from a sketch of 
the ground by Captain Holland, Quarter 
Master General’s Department. 


MUHAMMARAH, 

By the combined Naval and Military Forces 
under command of Lieutenant-General 
Sir James On. tram, k.c.b,, 

26th March 1857, 


Scale i Inch = 400 Yards , 


400 500 200 


(Sd,) J. WRAY, Captain, 

By. Qr. Mr, GenL* P.E.FJ 




** In establishing ourselves in these provinces, the mountains How presenting 
■such formidable difficulties in our way would prove rather an advantage to 
us as forming a wall of defence to us on the north. 

“ We might proceed steadily to organize the whole country we had taken* 
•and might probably restore the district of Kliuzistan to its pristine fertility 
and imp >rtance ; while the whole of the war-like and manly tribes of Kurds* 
as well as the Arabs, would be ready to serve us against all the World for money. 

u In possession of this line of country* opening on the valley of the 
Euphrates, taking three maritime provinces, especially the valley of the Kanin 
as our base, with full arsenals, magazines, and supplies of all kinds ready 
there, instead of being immediately dependent on distant support from Bombay 
and Sind, we should be in a position* in Case of renevved war with Russia, to 
march an Anglo-Turkish army into Georgia, and there, co-operating with other 
forces, sent, if necessary md Trebizonde, to drive the Russians behind the 
Caucasus, and to keep them there* 

“With complete command of the Black Sea* and being paramount on the 
ocean generally, England then could not be in a better position for engaging 
in a war single-handed with Russia. 

“We should be independent of the French alliance in a great measure, and 
have the most direct route to India in our own hands, or securely open to us ; 
while, without first taking Constantinople, no other power could interfere with 
us on the battle field, or even approach tile seat of wan 

“ Russia must see all the consequences of our permanently settling our- 
selves in possession of Kliuzistan, and unless now prepared to fight with us h 
Voubmnce 7 and to throw her full strength on India (which she undoubtedly is 
not), would assuredly be inclined, on perceiving symptoms of such intentions 
on our part, to advise the Shah to accede to any terms whatever rather than 
risk placing us in such a favourable position for offensive measures against 
herself. All this seems worthy of consideration* and perhaps your Lordship 
might wish to know any thoughts on the subject/* 

The above remarks by General Jacob are still pregnant with advice for 
Us, and should not be lost sight of ; for a study of the topography of the Zagros 
hills to the north of the maritime provinces from Bushire to the Euphrates 
points to their great value to us as a base against the Caspian region and the 
Caucasus. — 

On the arrival of reinforcements mentioned on page 29 on the 3rd 
February* the General decided to attack the Persians in their position at Boras- 
jan, and to destroy their magazines. The expedition to Borasjan was under- 
taken under the impression that the enemy were becoming so strong that it was 
their intention to attempt the recapture of Bushire. The reports furnished to 
the Intelligence Department put the force at 8,450 regular infantry, 17 guns, 
and 1 mortar. Reinforcements were rapidly being received by it. Twelve 
regiments of regular infantry, with 35 guns, were stated to be moving to join it, 
and that arrangements had been made to assemble 4,000 of the Iliyafc (nomad) 
tribes within 24 hours. Their advanced parties of horse began to check the sup- 
ply of provisions to Bushire, and to cause apprehension to prevail in the town.' 

It became imperatively necessary to strike a blow in the threatening quarter 
before extending operations elsewhere. 

In the evening of 3rd February, the following detail marched from camp in 
two lines of contiguous quarter distance columns, viz, : 


3rd Light Cavalry 
Punah Horse 


-ho. • 

176 | Brigadier Tapp. 


83 


3rd Troop Horse Artillery [Blahes) * . - - - 0 — . 

Ho. 3 Li glit Field Battery * . . . • 6 „ > Colonel Trevelyan. 

Ho. 5 Light Field Battery . . - . • • 6 „ ) 

Sappers and Miners 118 Captain Dickinson, 

ist Brigade, lst( Hev Majesty’s 64th Regiment . . 780 _ ] Brigadier Wilson. 

Division. I 20th Hative Infantry . . » 442 ) & 

1st Brigade, 2nd < Her Majesty’s 78th Higtlanders . . 739 _ | Brigadier Stisted. 

Division. (. 26th Native Infantry . * . 479 1 ■ 

2nd Brigade, 1st ( 2nd European Light Infantry , . 693 J 

Division, and< 2nd Biluch Battalion . . . 460 ... £ Brigadier Honner. 

rear-guard. t 4th Rifles ♦ * 623 ' ) 

i.e., 419 cavalry, 18 gu ns, 118 sappers, 4,116 infantry : the infantry in first 
line, and cavalry and artillery in second line. 

The advance guard under Colonel Tapp, Punah Horse, was composed of 
one troop 3rd Light Cavalry, two guns Horse Artil- 
Advance on Borasjan, ]ery f 2 companies Her Majesty*s 6 1th Regiment, 2 

companies 20th Native Infantry ; and the rear-guard under Major Hough 
(2nd Biluch Battalion) of the 2nd Biluch Battalion, and one troop of Punah 
Horse. 

A guard under Lieutenant-Colonel Shepherd was left of sufficient strength 
to hold the camp, i.e., 378 Europeans, 1,466 Native Infantry, 1 company Euro- 
pean Artillery, and 14 guns, to assist which a party of seamen from the ships 
of war were landed to serve as artillerymen. 

No tents were taken. The men took their great-coats and blankets and 
two days* cooked provisions, and the officers what a spare horse could carry in 
their saddle bags. The commissariat in addition carried three days* provisions 
for the force. 

At midnight Chahgadak was reached. At 5 a.m., on the 4th, the muddy creek 
was crossed with difficulty, and at 6-30 a.m. Chahkuta was reached. Here the 
troops halted for the day on a fine open plain, the different regiments piling 
arms in column in the same order as they had marched, and the men lying by 
them. The road traversed had been round the head of the Bushire creek, and 
was alternately hard and loose sand and reedy swamp ; a small fortified tower 
near some wells and few scattered date trees being the only objects of inter- 
est passed upon the march. Two good wells, west of the village, furnished 
au abundance of water. 

A severe duststorm lasted all day. At 4 p.m. the. troops started again, taking 
a north-east direction. At 6 p.m. a nala, dry, but with steep banks, was crossed, 
the road thus far being si ill over a fine open plain. At 6-30 p.m., at 5 miles 
from Chahkuta, a halt of half an hour was made at two wells of good water 
called Chah Arabi, At 7 miles the small walled village -of Ishafundi was 
reached, five or six Persian horsemen galloping out of it at the same time. 
At 9 miles a well and canal of good water were passed, and at 10 miles a halt 
in the order of march was made for the night on the rising ground close to 
the village of Khushab. At 10 p.m. a violent thunderstorm of hail and rain, 
lasting till 2 A. M., drenched the force in their bivouac. The force had marched 
30 miles with but a few hours* rest, and was much fatigued, and the exposure 
to the piercing cold wind was very trying. At 7 a.m., on the 5th, the march 
was resumed over a fine plain. One troop Punah Horse, 2 guns 3rd Troop 
Royal Artillery, and 3 companies Rifles formed the advanced guard. The 
remainder of the force followed in mass of columns ; the cavalry and artillery, in 
second line, on the reverse flank. The country, a desert flat, was very muddy 
and heavy in places, especially near Borasjan, At 2 miles Khushab, 4 miles 


20th Hative Infantry 


1st Brigade, 2ndf Her Majesty's 78th Highlanders 
Division. C. 26th Native Infantry 
2nd Brigade, Istr 2nd European Light Infantry 
Division, and « 2nd Biluch Battalion 
rear-guard. t 4th Bifles 


■ o. 

6 guns 
6 „ 

6 „ 
118 
780 
442— 
739 
479 *** 
693 
460... 
623 



84 



from Borasjan, was passed ; the latter place was concealed fr 
eion of date groves with openings between them,th 
between the left and centre date 
tained wells of good water. The 
of attacking the town from th< 
pied. Gaining the heights (14' 
were seen to be deserting their camp on the 
it, and to be moving towards the Haft Mul 
The Horse Artillery and Cavalry B 
columns moving to the south-east along the foot 
During the retirement, the enemy’s cavalry covering 
on Persian and Arab horses, were emboldened to a 
skirmish with our cavalry, dashing by and diseharg 
gallop, wounding Cornet Spens of the 3rd Cavalry and 
was very stony and interspersed with konar trees, un 
becoming worse as the hills were approached. Never] 
e 1 over it without hindrance. A few shots from the 
The troops were those of the Ilkham of the Kash 
stoutest of the Persian forces. The re"! 

Mulk had retired to Dah'ld. 

i A lar p quantity of stores and ammunition was captured. The camp was 
badly en trenched, and commanded from the direction of the town. 

■ e tillage might have been readily converted into a formidable post. It 
was surrounded by a Aval] with tower bastions at intervals, detached square 
towers within overlooking all. A ditch, la' deep, surrounded it, beyond which 
were gardens with high thorn and cactus fences. 

The Ilkham s cavalry hovered around the rear- guard, and succeeded in decapi- 
tating two dooly-bearers. The force bivouacked in the enemy’s cam p. 

. ‘-cme treasure, many horses, and baggage cattle were secured. The Per- 
sians had thrown several guns down wells, the carriages of which were discov- 
*rea and burnt. 

An alarm on the night of the 6th caused the troops to stand to their arms. 
Urn enemy felt up to the outposts, but finding the troops prepared, and it beirm- 
t bright moonlight night, they attempted nothing. Many spies were doubtl- 
ess in the camp, and all movements well reported. Intercourse between the 
lllagers and camp was encouraged, and such strict precautions enforced that 
hey should not be pillaged or ill-treated, that they were civil, and if not friend- 


■Qm view by a sucees- 
. e main road to the town being 
The grove on- the extreme right eon- 
ined this grove with the intention 
The groves were found unoceu- 
overlooking the town, the enemy 
gentle slope to the north-east of 
A pass and the hills 3 miles distant, 
rigade moved in pursuit of several large 
of the hills, but desisted, 
f the retreat, well mounted 
dvanee and open a sharp 
ing their muskets at full 
l two troopers. The ground 
suitable to our cavalry, and 
iheless the Persians gallop- 
rear-guard drove them off. 
igai irregulars, esteemed the 
;ular troops and guns under the Suja-ul- 


85 


f 


bm' 

F 


At 4 a.m., on the 7th February, a party paraded to proceed to Gisibund 
feo^report upon it as a sanitarium, but did not start, no guide being procur- 

The General hearing that the enemy was moving with his artillery into 
Force returns. the -cavalry moving into the Haft 

Mula pass, and provisions beginning to fail, abandoned 
the idea of following them up, and issued orders for the return of the force 
to Bus! \ire. 

At 8 p.m., on the 7th, the return march commenced. 

Hie advanced guard, under Colonel Tapp, consisted of— 


Pun ah Horse, 

2 H orse Artillery guns. 


Sappers and Miners. 

2 companies Her Majesty’s 64th. 


Main body. 


Pier Majesty’s 64* h Regiment 
20th Regiment Native Infantry 
2 Horse Artillery guns. 

No. 3 Light Field Battery. 

78th Highlanders 

26th Regiment Native Infantry 

No. 5 Light Field Battery. 

;."2nd European Light Infantry 
Biluch Battalion 


.1 In open column of sub-divisions 
right in front. 


:] 


In open column of suh-divisions 
right in front. 


open column of 
right in front. 


suh-divisions 


Rear-guard ( Brigadier-General Monner), 

3rd Cavalry. J 2 Horse Artillery guns. 

* 4th Rifles. 

Baggage on the reverse flank. 

.After leaving camp, the enemy’s stock of powder (40,000 lbs.), with shells 
and combustibles of all kinds, were exploded, the train being fired by a Jacob’s 
rifle shell fired at a range of 150 yards. 

Great delay was occasioned by the difficult nalas that cut up the country for 
. 3 miles. At 11-30 p.m. the column passed Jvhushab 

and halted. News was here received that the rear- 
guard w T as attacked, and firing in its direction was heard. The General and 
staff galloped back. The horse of the former falling, he received considerable 
injury, when the conduct of further operations fell on Major-General Stalker 
aided by Colonel Lugard,*’ Chief of the Staff. The rear closed on the front, 
aided by the two batteries sent back to their assistance, and the whole moved 
towards the water, 3 miles past Khushab. The guide losing his way, the column 
halted, surrounded by the enemy, who kept up a constant fusikde. The night 
was intensely dark. 

The enemy’s horse showed great boldness, dashing close up to the line, and 
firing. The troops behaved with great steadiness, the regiments manoeuvring 
and taking up their positions in the dark as methodically as if on parade. The 
formation adopted was an oblong, a brigade protecting each flank, and a demi- 
brigade the front and rear; field battery guns at intervals, and a thick line 
of skirmishers connecting and covering all; the horse artillery and cavalry 


!. 


II 


* Writing to the Governor-General, lie expressed Ins apprehension that he had not done suffi- 
cient j n'st ice in his despatch to the services of Colonel Lugnrcl, who had been invaluable to him in 
supplying jus place during the two or three hours he was disabled at the niost exciting crisis before 
the break of day. 


86 


on tlie flank of the face fronting the original line of march ; front and flanks of 
the oblong facing outwards ; the baggage and followers in the centre. Thus 
formed, the troops lay down, waiting for daylight in perfect silence and dark* 


ness. . - 

At 4-80 a. 3L, on the 8th, the enemy's artillery opened on the force with 
effect. Our guns replied, but with what effect is unknown. After half an 
hour the enemy's guns ceased firing, and moved to another position. 

Our losses during the night were two officers (fifth) and about half-a-dozen 
men wounded, one man (64tk) killed; several camp-followers and baggage 
animals billed. 

At -daybreak the enemy were discovered to the left rear, north-east of the 
line of march, drawn up by wings iu line, the centre 
on a rising ground, with guns on both flanks and in 
the centre; the infantry wings, half a mile apart ; and cavalry, on their left flank 
chiefly, formed a third body, a mile from the infantry. 

Their right flank rested on the walled village of Kbushab and a date 
grove; their left on a hamlet, with round towers at intervals; deep nalas, thickly 
lined with skirmishers, protected the right front and flank. They numbered 
some 6,000 infantry and 2,000 hor 
the Ilkhani of the Kashgai commanding the cavalry, 


f ■ Action of Kliusbab. 


Shuja-ul-Mulk commanded in chief, 
his tribal levies, in 

person. 

Our guns took position to the front and opened fire; the cavalry, in column 
of troops, swept round the base of the hill, and charged the Persian cavalry 
and the left of their line. They were allowed to advance a little too soon, or 
else anticipated their orders, for they had charged before the infantry was 
within musket range. 

Without waiting for the shock, the enemy's cavalry moved off towards the 
Haft Mula pass. The charge and artillery fire shook the infantry consider- 
ably. 

In tbe meanwhile our infantry deployed, the 78th Highlanders and 26th 
Native Infantry in front line, the 6-i-th and 20th in second line, the 2nd 
Brigade and baggage in third line ; skirmishers covered the front, flank, and 
rear, aided by cavalry. 

The enemy's guns played upon the advancing infantry and our artillery, 
their round shot passing over the second line; their grape shot, however, strik- 
ing the second line and artillery. 

Without waiting for the infantry attack, the Persian line, already shaken, 
broke and fled to the rear, casting a, way their arms and accoutrements, "and even 
their clothing, followed by our artillery, the cavalry re-forming for another 
charge. The two field batteries and the infantry soon gave up the pursuit. The 
cavalry again charged, the two or three battalions of regular infantry alone 
preserving any semblance of order, and, accompanied by the 3rd Troop Horse 
Artillery, continued the pursuit for 3 miles, until fairly exhausted, returning 
to camp at 10 a.m. 

The 3rd Cavalry were seen to charge through, and back again, one of these 
battalions. Captain Forbes, who commanded the squadron, was severely 
wounded, and Captain Moore and his brother both had their horses killed. 
The Punah Horse were by no means behind in gallantry. 

The enemy's horse displayed no courage. They showed in considerable 
numbers in parts of the field, but courted no engagement. The Persians left 
seven hundred dead on the field. These brilliant results were obtained by the loss 
on the British side of Lieutenant Frankland, 2nd European Light Infantry, 


' '•! 
f 





Brigade-Major of Cavalry, 1 officer and 18 men killed, and 4 officers and 60 
men wounded. ■ , ■ 

The enemy abandoned two 9-pr. brass guns, and had our force been able 
to pursue further, two more would have been captured. The rout was now 
complete; many of the enemy were cut up during the flight. Nothing but the 
paucity of our cavalry prevented their total destruction and the capture of the 
remaining guns. 

( For despatch hi full, see “ Calcutta Gazette” of 12 fh March 1857. ) 

Captain Wray, in his diary, remarks: 

“ The Sarbaz are magnificent men ; some of them very handsome ; all large- 
limbed and stout ; mostly very fair ; their uniform consists of red or blue 
coats, with chevrons like our non-commissioned officers, boots, &e. ; they are 
armed with flintlock muskets and bayonets; white belts; good pouches filled 
with ammunition; arms very dirty and badly kept. 

“The Persian infantry had not sufficient discipline to rally when broken, 
but sufficient to keep them together in masses for our artillery to play on 
with fearful effect. It was the terrible fire of our 18 guns rather than the 
cavalry charge which disorganized them. No troops could have stood it 
long. The only course open to them was to assume the offensive, or retire to 
some piece of ground where they could await our attack less exposed to artil- 
lery fire. But it was quite clear that the Persian officers, although they 
might understand their drill on parade, had not so far completed their educa- 
tion as to have an idea of manoeuvring on the battle-field ; and, once the retreat 
was commenced, they soon became mingled with the common herd of fugi- 
tives. The action was one of artillery and cavalry alone, so far as the British 
were concerned, the infantry merely looking on. 

“ Some of the wounded Persians fired on our troops after their lives had 
been spared, which so exasperated them that no quarter was given ; one batch 
of about 40, who collected on a small hillock and made signs of wishing to 
surrender, were cut down to a man.” — ( Blackwood ,) 

The force bivouacked at midday near the field of action close to the village 
of Chakar Kkana, a poor place, with a had water-supply. 

itain commenced to fall, and continued incessantly for several days, accom- 
panied by a cold wind. 

The force, carrying with it its killed and wounded, commenced its return 
march at 8 p.m. The country was now a swamp, 
ieie urn maici. ankle deep in mud. About midnight a broad stream 
was crossed which caused some confusion ; and at 1 A.M.,on the 9th, Ahmadi, 
a miserable village, without water, was passed. At 5-30 a.m. Chahgadak was 
neared ; but the guide losing the way, a halt was made till daylight. Chahga- 
dak was reached at 7 a.m. The artillery, cavalry, the Biluch and Rifle Batta- 
lions halted here ; the European Corps, ‘20th and 26th Native Infantry resum- 
ed the march at 2 p.m. in the midst of heavy rain, reaching Bushire at 9 p.m. 
tired out and fagged, but with spirits undiminished ; the remainder of the 
force reached camp on the morning of the 10th February. Not a single man 
fell into the enemy’s hands during this trying march. 

The whole division was in a deplorable condition. The boots were dragged 
from the feet by the mud, so that half at least of the 78th returned barefooted. 

Next day a new pair of boots was issued to each soldier gratis. 

The following complimentary order was published to the troops : 

Field Force Order, dated Camp near Bushire. 10th. February 1857. 

“ In offering to the troops composing the field force his hearty congratu- 
lations upon the successful issue of the operations against the enemy, and 




HHHj 


' . 


especially upon the decisive victory gained over the Persian army under their 
Commander-in-Chief Shuja-ul-Mulkon the 8th instant at Ivhushab, the Lieu- 
tenant-General desires to return his sincere thanks to all under his command 
for their steadiness and gallantry in the field, their extraordinary exer- 
tions on the march, and their cheerful endurance of fatigue and privation 
under circumstances of peculiar hardship, rendered doubly severe by the in- 
clemency of the weather, to which they were exposed without shelter of any 
kind. The troops marched from their camp on the evening of the 3rd instant 
without tents or extra clothing of any kind ; each man carried his greatcoat, 
blanket, and two days* cooked provisions. After a march of 46 miles in 
forty-one hours, during which they were exposed to the worst of weather, 
cold winds, and deluging rains, they reached the enemy's irregular infantry, 
cavalry, and eighteen guns in an intrenched position on the morning of the 
5th, but found it abandoned. 

“The enemy, on hearing of our approach, had evacuated their intrench- 
ment so precipitately that their tents and camp-equipage and ordnance maga- 
zines were abandoned ; the former were being rapidly carried off by village 
plunderers operating for some hours before we arrived. Every exertion was 
made to intercept the retreat of some bodies of the enemy's cavalry; and some 
little skirmishing with a few horsemen took place, but eventually they 
all made off. After occupying for two days the position the enemy had 
abandoned, and learning that they had succeeded in getting the guns 
which they had carried away into the difficult pass of Maak, the troops com- 
menced their return march on . the night of the 7th instant, carrying 
away the large stores of flour, rice, and grain which the Persian Govern- 
ment had collected for their -army, and, destroying their magazine, found 
to contain about 66,000 lbs. of powder, with small arm ammunition 
and a vast quantity of shot and shell, and thereby crippling the future 
operations of their army. Some of the guns are supposed to have been east 
into wells, and, as their wheels and carriages fell into our hands, cannot 
again be used. At midnight an attack was made upon the rear-guard by the 
enemy's horse, and parties threatened the line of march on every side. The 
troops were halted, and so formed as to protect the baggage and resist the 
horsemen in whatever direction they might attempt to charge. Before this 
was quite completed, four of the enemy's guns, of heavy metal, were opened 
upon the forces, but the darkness of the night prevented any steps being- 
taken to capture them. At break of day the Persian force, .amounting to 
between 5,000 or 6,000 infantry, 2,050 cavalry, and 5 guns, was discovered 
on our left rear, north-east of our line of march, 

“The cavalry and artillery immediately moved rapidly to the attack, sup- 
ported by two lines of infantry, a third protecting the baggage and rear. 
The firing of the artillery was most excellent, and did great execution. The 
cavalry also charged twice with great gallantry and success ; indeed, upon 
these two arms fell the brunt of the action, as the infantry moved away too 
rapidly to overtake them. By 10 o'clock the defeat of the Persians was 
complete, and two guns were captured. The gun ammunition, laden on mules, 
fell into our hands, and at least seven hundred men lay dead on the field ; the 
wounded, the number of which must have been considerable, were carried 
away; the remainder fled in a disorganized state, generally throwing away 
their arms, which strewed the field in vast numbers ; and nothing but the 
paucity of our cavalry prevented their total destruction, and the capture of 
their remaining guns. 






their mar i'll to Bushire, which they reached before nudnight on the 9th instant, 
thus performing 1 another harassing march of miles under incessant 
rain, besides fighting and defeating the enemy during the progress within the 
short period of thirty hours. The cavalry and artillery, with an infantry 
escort, reached camp this morning. The result is most satisfactory, and will, 
the Lieutenant-General trusts, have a very beneficial effect on our future opera- 
tions in Persia. The Lieutenant-General therefore feels that he cannot too 
strongly express the obligation he is under to Major-General Stalker and the 
officers and men of all arms for the almost incredible exertion they have under- 
gone, and the gallantry they have displayed on the occasion.” 

By command, 

(Sd.) E. LUGARD, Colonel, 

Chief of the Staff, 

The following account of the battle is compiled from information given by 
wounded Persian soldiers and the Intelligence Department j 

The first information regarding the advance of the English army was re- 
ceived by the Shuja-ul-Mulk at Borasjan on the morning of the 4th February, 
or the day after the force marched. Preparations were immediately made for 
abandoning the camp, and by 8 p.m. the whole force of infantry and guns, as 

V er margin, were en route for the 

es from Boras- 


Regimenfc of G nurds 
2 Ravag'd slu regiments . 
Shiraz Regiment 
4th Regiment of Tabriz 
Arab regiment 
Kaslikai regiment 

Regulars 

Cavalry of Shiraz 
Ditto Ilkhanf 


‘ _*** & 


40 


regiment was 


upon our troops Before daybreak tbe Shuja drew up his forces, having three 
regiments in line of contiguous columns on his right and four others in 
the same formation, 500 yards distant, and slightly thrown back, on liis 
left. 

At daylight, February 8th, when the position of the two armies became 
apparent, he made the left wing take ground still more to its left, supported 
by its cavalry, apparently with the view of intercepting our return to Bushire. 
He then deployed it into line, with a regiment in rear in reserve, and advanced 
with skirmishers and guns in front towards our right. It was this body that 
our cavalry first encountered. 

The Persian cavalry, either from disaffection or pusillanimity, retired from 
the field at the very commencement, and made straight for the Haft Mula 
pass. On the Punah Horse charging and dispersing the infantry, the Kashkai 
regiment took the same direction, while the others retreated in rear of the 
right wing towards Borasjan. The standard of the latter 
taken. ' \ ' - 

The right wing remained stationary in line of contiguous columns, 
suffering severely from the fire of our artillery, which was chiefly concentrated 
on them, and to which their guns replied briskly with grape and round shot. 
At about i past ?. they commenced slowly retiring, the guns still firing. On 
the approach of the 3rd Cavalry, the regiment of guards precipitately retired ; 
hut the remaining two formed square, and were terribly cut up. After this 
there was no further organized attempt to continue the action. The officers, 
who are mounted in the Persian army, disgracefully abandoned their men ; 
while the latter were hotly pursued by our cavalry and horse artillery to 
within 4 miles of Borasjan, leaving the line of retreat for a distance of 
nearly 5 miles strewed with killed and wounded. 

It is reported that Sohvab Khan, nephew of the Ilkham and commanding 
his cavalry, was killed ; but this is mere rumour. We have no account of the 
officers of rank lost by the enemy, but it is probable there were many. 

The Shah-in Shah's account of the battle, taken from the Tib ran Gazette 
Extraordinary, is given below : 

“ According to an express sent by Shuja-ul-Mulk, it 
appears that the English army, consisting of 5 regi- 
ments and 10 guns, marched on the 3rd February 1857 to Chakkuta, 4 farsakhs 
from Bushire, intending to work some injury to the army under Shuja-ul-Mulk 
before it could join the other Moslem troops. The Shuja-ul-Mulk, with 8,000 
infantry, 300 cavalry, and 12 guns, on the 4th contemplated a night attack 
on the enemy* When he had proceeded 4 miles from Borasjan, the rain 
began to fall heavily. The English advanced about 4 miles from Chakkuta, 
where they entered holes, and went behind irregularities in the ground. The 
Moslem troops having no shelter from the rain, and finding their own encamp- 
ment nearer than that of the enemy, went back, proposing to return to tbe 
battle. As the English army were under cover, they reached Borasjan the 
next morning. On the night of the 7th, the Shuja-ul-Mulk, at the head of 
3,000 picked infantry and 8 guns, attacked the English, whose advanced 
guard, becoming aware of the movement, fired a signal gun. The British, being 

, # Note. — W e found that the Shuja actually did leave his camp with some infantry and o-uns 
with the intention of attacking us in our bivouac on the night of the 4th ; so this part of his 
account is true. Why he went back has been before stated. 

This^ despatch got Shuja-ul-Mulk a dress of honor from the Shah in honor of the victory 

The Shfija required it too, for he ran away from the field, they say, with nothing on but a piece 
of cloth over hig head. ° 4 


The Shales account of 
the battle. 


41 



unable to remove the enormous quantity of their ammunition owing to the 
mud, blew it up, and retired to Bush ire. The victorious Persian army pursued 
the English to within St| farsakhs (10 miles) off Bushire, when reinforcements,* 
consisting of 2 regiments, 400 cavalry, and 10 guns, came out to their relief. 
On this they turned back again, and wanted to fight. Though the strength 
of the victorious Persian army did not exceed 3,000 men and 8 guns, still 
they heeded not the overpowering number of the enemy, but eagerly rushed 
forward to the slaughter. They fought heroically for four hours, beginning 
at daylight, twice breaking into the English squares, entered their lines, and 
strove vigorously. It is also reported that General Stalker, who first arrived 
in Bushire, was killed in that action ; but it requires confirmation. Among 
the Persian officers, Muhammad Kuli Khan, Sartip, was wounded with a grape 
shot, and All Khan, Sartip, of the Kamgdslu regiment, received a sword 
wound when he penetrated into the English ranks ; but, thank God, neither of 
them have come to harm. Owing to the intensity of the rain, each party 
was obliged to desist from further warfare, and returned to its own camp, leav- 
ing on both sides sundry guns sticking in the mud. An accurate account of 
the killed and wounded could not be obtained in consequence of the inclemency 
of the weather; but the killed on the side of the English must have been 
from 700 or 800 to 1 ,000, and on the part of the Persians from 600 or 500 
to 300. The Saras hkar bash i, who has proceeded to the field of battle, will 
shortly write a true account of the affair, and it shall be published in the next 
number of the Gazette/' / /■: 

Preparations now began to be pushed forward for the expedition to 
Preparations for ulterior Muhammarah. Materials for the barracks of one 
operations. European regiment were provided at Bushire. tJHospi- 

tals were prepared at Eharaj, which place was found remarkably healthy when 
we held it formerly. These were to receive the sick both of the 1st and 2nd 
Divisions. 

The remainder of the month of February was one of no importance in the 
general conduct of the campaign, and passed in comparative idleness by all 
but the Transport Sexwice and Quarter Master General's Department, awaiti ng 
the arrival of the 2nd Division, delayed by heavy weather. The Sind Horse 
were still beating up the Gulf to Bushire in sailing vessels unaided by steam. 
By the end of February, 5 companies of the Light Battalion, No. 2 Light 
Field Battery, a company of Goltmdauze, the Aden troop of Sind Horse, and 
other details had arrived. Strong north-west winds also delayed the embarka- 
tion of the expedition. 

Brigadier-General Havelock on arrival took over the command of the 
2nd Division, and Brigadier Hamilton that' of its first brigade, which had 
been held, in the action of the 8th, by Colonel Stisted. The supplies brought 
in decreased after the action of the 8th, and forage in particular became 
scarce. Every regiment furnished daily 300 men as a working party. This 
duty had a most beneficial effect on the health of the men. Five strong 
redoubts were built, four in front sweeping the width of the isthmus, that in 
rear securing the communication with the town ; all were armed with position, 
guns, one with two 68-pounders. 

The prevailing high winds caused the greatest annoyance from the drift 
in g sand ; these nor'- westers, commencing about 9 a.m., lasted till sundown. 

By the 1st March, the 3rd Troop Horse Artillery was embarked, not- 
withstanding the bad weather, in three days; on the 5th and 6th, the 64th 

/ 



I ill » 1 j ij§ j 


Regiment and a detachment of the 78th Highlanders sailed for the rendez- 
vous off Muhammarah. A troop of the 14th Dragoons, arriving, unexpectedly, 
was also directed to proceed with the expedition. The horse artillery trans- . 
port was provided with bullock fittings only; they stood together, eight in a 
division, and fared well enough, as no bad weather was experienced during the 
30 hours' sail. / 

On the 9th March, a wing of the 26th Native Infantry embarked, when 
again heavy weather delayed the operation. 

On the 6th March, three additional companies of the Light Battalion arrived 
off Bush? re, and shortly after the 4th Troop Horse Artillery, one troop 3rd 
Cavalry, and the remaining company of the Light Battalion, and all passed on 
to the Muhammarah rendezvous. 

The difficulty of embarking troops and stores in an exposed and shallow 
roadstead and the poverty of steam power were much felt. 

The Turks remonstrated against the movement on Muhammarah, as it 
necessitated the navigation of the Shatt-ul-Arab, the right bank of which 
stream is Turkish territory. They also advanced a claim to the town, 
and the question arose whether it should be made over to the Pasha of 
Baghdad when captured. The local tribes objecting to Turkish rule, the 
claim was kept in abeyance ; but the circumstance was considered to be of no 
moment. 

On the 14th March, General Stalker, c.b., whom it was proposed to leave 
in command at Bush ire, in a moment of mental derangement shot himself. 
He was an officer who had gained distinction in the held, and whose kind heart 
and gentlemanly maimers won the regard of all. 

Major-General Stalker was by service senior to Sir James Outram ; and with 
reference to this, the latter wrote : 

“ Should Busbire, contrary to expectation, hold out, and not yet be in 
our possession when I join the army, and should General Stalker then be con- 
ducting operations against the town, it would be the wish of His Lordship, 

1 presume (as it would be my own), that he should not be deprived of the 
credit of taking the place ; and in that ease I would, with His Lordship's 
permission, defer assuming the command until after it had fallen. I know 
not whether General Stalker would wish to continue with the army after I 
have taken command ; but should he choose to do so, I might place him in 
command at Bushire, while I myself take the advanced division to Muliam-* 
marah and S has tar. Serving under rae would be the less galling*, I hope, to 
Stalker, inasmuch as we have been intimate friends ever since we entered 
the service together, on the same day, 37 years ago." 

As regards the separate command, lie wrote much to the same effect to 
General Stalker direct, adding* : ^ I can only say it will be a source of great 
gratification to me to be associated with you in the field, and I can assure you 
we should get on well together/'’ 

General Jacob (lately arrived) was placed in command at Bushire. The 
Persian forces under the Coniraander-in-Cbief (Sarashkarbashi), with 16,000 
men and 30 guns, was reported to have arrived at Nanizak with authority 
(either to fight or to treat for terms of peace : overtures indirectly made by 
him were discouraged. On the 17th March, Commodore Kthersey shot himself; 
memoranda in his note book showed that his mind was affected. 

The 4th Troop Horse Artillery returned to Bushire from Muhammarah 

Wt© 19th March. The Persian attempts to strengthen Muhammarah 
were reported to have been very successful On this day the head -quarters 



m 


of the Muhammarah expeditionary force left Bnshire : the force com- 
prised— 

No. 2 Light Field Battery 6 6 guns . a 176 men. 

No. 3 Troop Horse Artillery, 6 guns . , * . . 106 „ 

lith Dragoons (troop) . . . . . . . 89 „ 

Sind Horse (part t>f) . 303 „ 

64th Regiment . . . . ... . . , . 704 „ 

78th Highlanders * . '* ; .* ■ ■* . , , 830 „ 

Light Battalion . . * . . . . 920 „ 

26th Regiment Native Infantry * . . , , 716 „ 

23rd Regiment Native Infantry , * . * . . 749 tj 

Madras Sappers and Miners . , . . . , 124 „ 

Bombay Sappers and Miners * * . # . , 109 

Reserve Artillery . . > * , , 

*. «•> 392 horse, 1,534 European and 2,386 Native Infantry, 342 artillery, and 
12 guns — total 4,886 men — with 4 armed steamers and 2 sloops of war. 

There remained at Btishire Brigadier-General Jacob, c.b., in command, 
with Brigadiers Wilson, Homier, and Tapp; 2 field batteries and the mountain 
train, the entire cavalry of the 1st Division, 3 companies each of Her Majesty's 
f>4th, the 4th Rifles, 20th Native Infantry, and the Biluch Battalion. 

Sir James Outram thus discussed the advantages of an advance oil Shuster 
over that on Shiraz : 

“ Should the enemy really he mustering in advance of Shiraz in force, it is 
next to certain their object is to oppose our advance on Shiraz ; for they 
would hardly have the temerity to attack our entrenched position in front 
of Bnshire. In that case the passes below Khisht would afford positions so 
naturally strong, and which they would not fail to improve by art, that we 
may be exposed to severe loss ere we make our footing sure at Khisht, And 
then it might require our whole means, thus weakened by battle, to maintain 
own position there ; for the neighbouring tribes are not to be depended on, 
being Shiahs and more subservient to the Shah's Government than are the 
half Arab ‘ Sunni ' tribes who intervene between Shustar and Muhammarah. 

Our advance from Muhammarah to Shustar, on the other band, though 
liable to be opposed by tile army of the Viceroy of Khuzistan, represented at 
from 3,000 to 8,000 men, has no great physical difficulties to contend 
against, — no passes to surmount; and onr army there would possess the advant- 
age of water carriage for its supplies, and a better provision of land carriage 
than can be obtained at Bushire. ° 

The neighbourhood of Shustar, moreover, is described as abounding in 
forage, fuel, and water ; and the population being f Sunnis', with stranguries 
of connection with the Turko-Arabian tribes in the vicinity, are generally, it is 
said, bitterly inimical to their Shiah rulers, and would, it may be hoped, 
readily be induced to favour our cause. Our vicinity to the Turkish frontier 
would besides facilitate the organization of the Turko-Arabian levies." 

He showed cause for preferring Shustar to Khisht on military, sanitary, 
and political considerations ; and, if the menace to Shiraz was a strong argu- 
ment in favour of the latter position, he recognized a show of impending 
danger to Isfahan in our maintenance of the former. He wrote : 

. ‘ Shustar, being further from Muhammarah than Khisht from Bushire, 
might be more difficult to support were the intervening tribes hostile, and 
were it not that we have the river Karun to aid us, navigable to our armed 
steamers. But there not merely are the people l'.keely to be with us, but 



44 



we shall soon have more ample means for controlling the intermediate coun- 
try in our Arab levies than we could have at Khisht, where we should be too 
fnr from the T u i k r s h frontier to obtain the services of the tribes we wish to 
employ. And the increasing strength of our lines would, I hope, prevent 
the necessity for further reinforcements until the season for active operations 
in October next. 

Should I find, therefore, that it is impracticable to maintain both Khisht 
and Shustar, I may probably confine our operations to the latter quarter. In 
which ease it may be advisable to borrow one of General Stalker's European 
regiments and some of his European artillery, with the double view of adding 
to our strength on the Karun, and securing a better climate for the 
Europeans ; and General Stalkers attention would be confined for the pre- 
sent to the defence of Bushire and holding Kharaj, for which the troops then 
left to him would, I think, amply suffice/ 

Previous to the sailing of the expedition, Captain J ones, i.w., the Resident 
at Bushire, the Revd. Hr. Badger, Captain M. Green, Military Secretary, 
Commodore Ethersey and Captain Young, i.n., proceeded to Muhammarah to 
secure the friendly co-operation of the Arab tribes to whom Muhammarah 
belonged; to obtain information regarding the strength of the Persian armv, 
the defensive works, the navigation of the Shatt-ul-Arab, &e., &e. 

Sir James Outram hoped to raise levies amongst the nomads to be found on the 
confines of Western Persia. Lord Clarendon's instructions had assumed that 
there were independent tribes amongst those with whom the General would come 
in contact, and, to avoid complications, had restricted him from seekino- the aid 
of others. But whether independent or semi-independent, the sovereTgnty of 
the soil on which they lived and moved was a question which could not be disre- 
garded. Outram's idea was that we could avail ourselves of the services of the 
nomads living some on Turkish, some on Persian, territory, and some mi«Tat.in<r 
periodically from one to the other, provided that, at the close of the war an 
amnesty were proclaimed to all who befriended us while the war lasted. ’ * 

The expedition started six weeks later than the time General Outram had 
expected; the delay was caused by the nou-arrival of reinforcements and the 
unexpected strength of the armaments prepared by the enemy in front of 
Bushire. 

The lateness of the season before which the ascent of the Karun could 
be commenced* and the restrictions precluding him from embodying the 
Arab nomad tribes, caused him to anticipate that he might have to aban 
dm the advance on Shustar. “ In that case, ” he wrote, “ after the seizure of 
Muhammarah, my operations will be probably confined to driving the 
enemy from below the. passes in our front, and it will depend on the 
strength and condition m which they retreat up the passes, whether or not 
1 totlow on to Shiraz, or content myself with holding the low country and 
placing the Europeans on the elevated plateau above Borasjan for the hot 
months But under any circumstances the hot season must have commenced 
betore the troops here can be equipped to move against the enemy. 

The rendezvous below Muhammarah was reached between the 21stand 2 3rd 
lhe river at the anchorage was 1,200 yards broad ; both hanks were covered 
with date groves. 

Favourable accounts were received of the intentions of the Arab tribes • 
they brought off supplies, .sheep, &e., to the ships. 

,, Af^r.Matare deliberation, it being impossible to erect counter- batteries on 
the I urkisk bank ot the river (neutral territory), and thp P.n nf. TITO rv-p tl-in nnnTL 


45 


battery and the occupation of the island of Abadan, and the left bank of the 
Hafar canal offering no advantages, the battery and island being commanded 
by the works of the main position on the right bank of the canal, General 
Oufcram resolved to attack the enemy's batteries with the armed steamers and 
sloops of war, and, as soon as the fire was nearly silenced, to pass up rapidly 
with the troops in small steamers towing boats, land the force 2 miles above 
the northern point of the Hafar canal, and immediately advance upon and 
attack the entrenched camp. 

Such an operation would be only possible against imperfectly armed 
batteries manned by Oriental troops. 

Orders were issued regarding the landing which was appointed for the 
25th. It was, in consequence of some unforeseen accident, postponed till the 
26th March (some of the large ships shoaled on the way). The following was 
the order ; 

Field Force Order, dated'" Feroze, ” 22nd March 1 857. 

The order for the attack. “ following plan of attack upon Muhammarah 
was decided on this day : 

“ 1. The whole of the war vessels and transports to move up S hat t-ul- Arab ; 
to anchorage some 4 miles below the junction with the Bamishir at such 
time as the Commodore may appoint with reference to the arrival of the 
ships not yet come up ; the state of the tides, &c. 

“ 2* Immediately after dusk, on the day of arrival at the rendezvous, a 
party of sappers, with mortars and artillerymen, will proceed to Dubbar 
island, and erect a mortar battery upon it during the night. Brigadier 
Hutfc will be pleased to direct all arrangements connected with the same in 
communication with Major Boileau, Commanding Ifngineer, and Captain 
Selby, i.n. 

<c 5. The mortars will open fire upon the enemy's works at dawn of day, 
and the war vessels will move into position off the south-west point of the 
island as soon after daybreak as possible, under instructions that will be 
given to the several commanders by the Commodore, opening their fire at 
first from 800 yards, and subsequently running in abreast of and above the 
enemy's batteries, as circumstances may determine. 

“ 4. In the meantime the troops, horses, &c., will be transhipped from the 
transports into small steamers and boats ready to move up to the left bank of 
the Shatt-ul-Arab, immediately below Jabis fort, where they will be landed. 

“ The following are the arrangements for the transhipment of the troops, 
and any further or more detailed instructions required by commanding officers 
can be obtained on application from the Deputy Quarter Master General ; 

The order for the attack. March 23rcL —' The Commodore will be so good as 
to give the requisite instructions to the commanders 
of steamers and masters of transports. 

u During the bombardment of the batteries, the infantry, and that 
portion of the artillery which will land in advance, will be transferred from 
the ships to the small steamers and flats as follows > the work to commence 
at daybreak : 

. “ D The Planet will be alongside the Ocean Monarch at daybreak, and 
will take on board as many horses and men of the battery as she can carry, 
including the horses of Brigadiers Hale and Hutt and three Majors of 
Brigade. 

“ The Napier will take from the Avalanche and Euxine 80 horses of 
the 3rd Troop Horse Artillery and all the staff officers' horses (one horse for 



48 


m 





each) and the mounted officers horses of the 7 8th Highlanders now on board 
those ships. 

“ (8) The Comet to be kept as a despatch boat. 

<£ (4) The Assyria will land the stall officers' horses from the F nit ay Sul fart 
and Fuliay Salam i mounted officers' horses, Light Battalion, from Fuliay 
Salami and mounted officers' horses, 26th, from Fuliay iloubafnh . 

“ (6) The Sindian to he alongside the Bride of the Seas at daylight, take 
off all the 64th Foot from that ship, and afterwards go to the Fuliay Sul fan , 
and take on hoard the detachment of the same regiment. The remainder of 
the 64th will go on in the Hugh Lindsay. 

“ (®) The j !U kersey flat to be alongside the Said an ha on the evening’ of the 
arrival at the rendezvous, and the whole of the 2 3rd Native Light Infantry, 
with the mounted officers' horses, uill he transferred to her at daybreak next 
morning. She will then he taken in tow by the Sindian . 

“ (7} The detachments 78th Highlanders will he transferred to the Bere* 
nice in the early morning from the Kingston , Pottinger, and Clifton . 

“ (8) The head-quarters 26th Native Infantry from the Earl of Clan to 
the Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy „ 

“ (9) The wing of the 26th Native Infantry, now on board the British 
Queen , will remain in that vessel, and be towed by the Berenice . 

“ (1H) The three companies Light Battalion from the Feroze and the one’ 
from the Assaye, now on board Precursor , to the Chuan . 

b “ (11) The three companies Light Battalion in the Fultay Salmi to the 
Pioneer . 

“ (12) The Bombay will take the troop of the Sind Horse coming from 
the Mirzapore . 

“ Dooly bearers to accompany their own regiments under instructions from 
the Superintending Surgeon. 

“ The Commodore has arranged for the horse ships to he towed up as near 
the batteries as may be found practicable. 

“The river steamers and flat, after disembarking their horses and men, will 
immediately return to the horse ships, and land from them as many more as 
they can carry. 

a The. Kingston has been appointed the hospital ship. 

“The infantry transports will not be brought up from the rendezvous until 
after the fall of the place, when the baggage tents, &e., will be landed, as will 
hereafter be directed. 

“ The troops are to land with three days' cooked provisions." 

By command, 

(Sd.) E. LXJGARD, Colonel, 

Chief of the Staff. 

Soon after daylight on the 24th March,- the fleet was ready to start for 
the second rendezvous at Huertah. The banks of the river continued to be 
well fringed with date groves and swampy with grassy slopes to the water's 
edge. The country appeared to be well peopled, and stocked with numerous 
herds of cattle. The fleet consisted of 14 steamers and 21 transports, besides 
5 small river steamers, flats, and boats. The enemy took no means to annoy 
the transports, the decks of which were closely packed with troops and 
within easy range. At noon the Huertah battery was passed ; it was found 
deserted; it was well placed to rake the river, and consisted of three embrasures 
of date stumps, with roofing of the same material, but without platforms. At 
1 p.m. the fleet anchored off Huertah within sight of Muhammarah. 


47 


The Arabs welcomed the fleet* and, putting off from shore, gave information 
concerning the enemy. Dubbar island proving*, on being reconnoitred, to be 
too swampy for the establishment of a mortar battery upon it, it was decided 
that a raft should be constructed for two 8'' and two smaller (5") mortars, 
which should be towed up by the Comet during the night within range of the 
batteries. 

On the 25th, the arrangements above were completed. Troops, horses, and 
guns were transhipped into lighter draught steamers and vessels. All ships 
prepared for action. The enemy continued to throw up breastworks on 
cither bank of the Ha far. 

The following order was issued by the Commodore for the attack on the 
batteries : 

Dated " Feroze/' 25th April 1857. 

ie The following is the order of attack upon the enemy's batteries for to- 


morrow morning : 


“ At the earliest dawn the Semiramis , with Clive in tow, leads into the 
channel on the western bank of the river, and, followed by the Ajdaha and 
Feroze in close company, anchoring in such a position that the rearmost vessel 
may have broadside bearing upon the batteries before opening fire, after which 
every endeavour will be made to silence the enemy's batteries. 

The Assay e remains at anchor until her commander can proceed and 
anchor west of the north fort, taking it on the dank. On the fire slacken- 
ing, the Feroze , followed by th$ Ajdaha , will proceed to cover the landing of 
the troops, firing on the batteries as she passes. Semiramis weighs with Clive., 
and drops her on the flank of the batteries inside of the Bamishir, proceeding 
onward to the attack of the Persian camp and advanced batteries. 

cc The Victoria with Falkland in tow, to follow Ajdaha , and take up a posi- 
tion to the south-east fort, as soon as circumstances will permit, to protect 
transports from fire of the enemy in the date groves. 

u When the rendezvous flag is hoisted on board of the ship of the Com- 
modore commanding, it is to be repeated by the other vessels engaged, upon 
which the steamers, which have already received instructions to land troops, 
will proceed on that duty, and land them between the first and second creek, 
suth of Jabi's fort. 

“ Subsidiary orders regarding the landing of the troops will be issued by 
the Commodore commanding on the spot. 

In operations of this nature unforeseen contingencies will arise. No cap- 
tain will do wrong who places his vesseHn an effective position/' 

(Sd.) ETHERSEY, 

Commodore Commanding, 

At daylight on the 2Gf h, the mortar battery, placed in position during the 
previous night, opened fire with effect from the b" mortars ; the range of the 
,5£" proved to be too short. 

The enemy soon found its range, and there being delay in the steamers getting 
off, it was for the space of an hour in considerable danger, and had the enemy 
had any enterprise, they might have taken or destroyed it. At about 6-#0 a.m. 
the steamers started : the Semiramis lead the way, with the Clive in tow, the 
Ajdaha close behind. The Feroze followed shortly after, succeeded by the 
Assays. The Victoria , towing the Falkland sloop, delayed to engage the guns 
on the left bank amongst the date groves, evidently awaiting the transports* 
They then passed on after the others. 

The leading vessels passed the southern batteries, neared the point of 
Dubbar, and opened fire,* the Feroze and Assay e followed the latter, taking 
station near the mouth of the Bamishir and within 200 yards of the batteries* 


48 




silifitil 


The Semtramis , trying to get into the Ba mi shir, grounded. The practice of 
both sides was excellent. 

For an account of the naval operations, which were highly creditable, see 
despatches. 

The bombardment continued till 8 a.m., when the order for the transports 
to advance was hoisted. At 9-30 am* they advanced, a gun from the Abadan 
opening upon them in succession. 

The Berenice steamer, carrying the Highlanders, a company of sappers, 
and General Havelock and staff of the "2nd Division, led the column ; her decks, 
crowded, passed within 100 yards of the batteries. Though struck several times 
in hull and rigging, the decks escaped. 

The transports pushed on to the ground above the batteries, which had 
ceased firing, the magazine in the northern fort having exploded. 

Two field pieces of the enemy opened on the transports — one remained 
stationary, the other moved up parallel to the shipping, and gave an occasional 
shot as the ground proved favourable. Much mischief might have been thus 
caused owing to the crowded state of the decks. Each transport carried a light; 
gun or more. 

The Berenice lay close in shore, and the Highlanders and the Grenadiers 
of the 64th landing advanced as skirmishers. All the infantry, with a field 
battery and 50 Sind Horse, were on shore by 2 p.m,, when the rising of the 
tide having filled the creeks and made impassable the ground to be crossed by 
the horse artillery and troop of the 14th Dragoons, the General determined to 
advance with those who were ashore. 

In the meantime the fire of the batteries had ceased. After the} 7 ceased 
firing artillery, a firing of musketry was opened from them, as well as from, 
the breastworks, and maintained with great spirit for some time, when storm- 
ing parties were landed from the Semiramis, Clive , Victoria , and Falkland , which 
drove before them the last of the enemy, and took possession of their works 
and guns. The naval casualties amounted to 5 killed and IS wounded. 

The Sind Horse pushed to the front without encountering any of the enemy. 

The Persian camps, one immediately to the north of Muhammarah, a 
second a little to the east of it, and a third more to the westward, were clearly 
seen. 

The advance was made as follows : 

A line of contiguous quarter-distance columns; a field battery on the 
right; next came in succession the 78th Highlanders, 26th Native 
Infantry (one wing), Her Majesty's 61th Regiment, the Light 
Battalion, the 28 rd Bengal Light Infantry — the Whole covered by a 
cloud of skirmishers. 

Up to the® moment of our advance, these troops were drawn up in order 
of battle outside the boundary of the Shahzadah's camp, the right of their liiie 
far outflanking our left, which had actually no protection when it had once 
advanced into the open plain, beyond the 23rd Native Infantry being slightly 
thrown back. When within gun range of the camp, the Persian army seemed 
literally to have vanished. At the last moment all courage deserted the foe 
although the odds were greatly in their favour. 

They were reported to have been very confident at first, but to have lost 
heart at the size and effect of the 6 8- pounder shot, and the loss very early 
in the day of Sartip Aga Jhau Khan, their most able chief, whilst showing a 
most gallant example. In the north battery, Prince Khanlar Mirza was” in 
chief command. 


Every tent was left standing. The ground was strewed with arms, 
accoutrements, ammunition, grains, See, Large quantities of grain, flour, 



BOUGH SKETCH 


OF THE 

ATTACK ON THE BATTERIES 

O F 

MUHAMMARAH, 

By the combined Naval and Military Forces 
under command of Lieutenant-General 
Sir James On tram, k.c.b,, 

26 tli March 1857. 

/Scale 1 Inch = 400 Yards * 

YA P n.<? 4 22 — S?.? 2< f° <? 400 

=====^^ YARDS 

Apr it .1 o! 

J. A. A 


(Sd,) J. WRAY, Captain v 
J>V- Qr- Mr, Genl . P,B,FJ\ 



N9.9 E 




PERSIAN 
V CAMP J 


o/’ .. -•••.. 

• t'** ^ 

Sj& __ "' X 


/* M 

ABu & ?nce of \\ 

r^~"i M 

ri British troops \\ 

CD \! 


jf Q -r 6©^. 


ji 

ffzzirzetk Bor/r 


a 




AJ PAHA^H^ 








/ .* 

/ V 

/*• 

/« x 


/ \ 

PERSIAN \^ 




CAMP 






MUHAMMARAH 




















,^|| my nnnr i ptnnnj p;^ ^ ■ * 






KUT FARIS 




;=fepg~ 


:rzr:i\^ 



f es u zA 


<s *cn_r 


~~ — ~~~ . ~ ~ ~ ~^ . floTtar reft — • 

*... ,^-A- «*iocVr GfSkj3* r U/oY-f&r*. ^vp-T~ 

— ■~-"- w » . 9> a </ Semiramii 


SEMIRAMtS 







^iT^rr 


ABADAN 




—--'•X 


Y-* 

^C LIVE 




| VICTOR! A 


paukw 



2?0TK-~~T3iis was compiled cuietiy from a sketch of 
the ground by Captain Holland, Quarter 
Master General’s Department. 


BOUGH SKETCH 

OF THE 

ATTACK ON THE BATTERIES 

0 F 

muhammarah. 

By the combined Haval and Military Forces 
under command of Lieutenant-General 
Sir James Outram, K,c«B., 

26tli March 1857, 


Scale 1 Inch = 400 Yards, 


400 300 200 


400 

ssa#. VAftDS 


(Sd«) J. WRAY, Captain , 

ity. $r. Jfr. P.KF.F. 


48 


The Semiramis, trying to get into the Bamishir, grounded. The practice of 
both sides was excellent. 

For an account of the naval operations, which were highly creditable, see 
despatches. 

The bombardment continued till 8 A.M., when the order for the transports 
to advance was hoisted. At 9-30 a.m. they advanced, a gun from the Abadan 
opening upon them in succession. 

The Berenice steamer, carrying the Highlanders, a company of sappers, 
and General Havelock and staff of the 2od Division, led the column ; her decks, 
crowded, passed within 100 yards of the batteries. Though struck several times 
in hull and rigging, the decks escaped. 

The transports pushed on to the ground above the batteries, which had 
ceased firing, the magazine in the northern fort having exploded. 

Two field pieces of the enemy opened on the transports — one remained 
stationary, the other moved up parallel to the shipping, and gave an occasional 
shot as the ground proved favourable. Much mischief might have been thus 
caused owing to the crowded state of the decks. Each transport carried a light 
gun or more. 

The Berenice lay close in shore, and the Highlanders and the Grenadiers 
of the 64th landing advanced as skirmishers. All the infantry, with a field 
battery and 50 Sind Horse, were on shore by 2 p.m., when the rising of the 
tide having filled the creeks and made impassable the ground to be crossed by 
the horse artillery and troop of the 14th Dragoons, the General determined to 
advance with those who were ashore. 

In the meantime the fire of the batteries had ceased. After they ceased 
firing artillery, a firing of musketry was opened from them, as well as from 
the breastworks, and maintained with great spirit for some time, when storm- 
ing parties were landed from the Semirams, Olive , Victoria, and Falkland , which 
drove before them the last of the enemy, and took possession of their works 
and guns. The naval casualties amounted to 5 killed and IS wounded. 

The Sind Horse pushed to the front without encountering any of the enemy. 

The Persian camps, one immediately to the north of Muhammarah, a 
second a little to the east of it, and a third more to the westward, were clearly 
seen. 

The advance was made as follows : 

A line of contiguous quarter-distance columns; a field battery on the 
right; next came in succession the 78th Highlanders, 26th Native 
Infantry (one wing), Her Majesty's 81th Regiment, the Light 
Battalion, the 23rd Bengal Light Infantry — the whole covered by a 
cloud of skirmishers. 

. Up to the 6 moment of our advance, these troops were drawn up in order 
of battle outside the boundary of the Shalizadah's camp, the right of their line 
far outflanking our left, which had actually no protection when it had once 
advanced into the open plain, beyond the 23rd Native Infantry being slightly 
thrown back. When within gun range of the camp, the Persian army seemed 
literally to have vanished. At the last moment all courage deserted the foe 
although the odds were greatly in their favour. 

They were reported to have been very confident at first, but to have lost 
heart at the size and effect of the 68-pounder shot, and the loss very early 
in the day of Sartip Aga Jhan Khan, their most able chief, whilst showing a 
most gallant example. In the north battery, Prince Khanlar Mirza was in 
chief command. 

Every tent was left standing. The ground was strewed with arms, 
accoutrements, ammunition, grains, &c« Large quantities of grain, flour, 



49 


chopped straw, and dates were secured, and 18 brass gun's and mortars (three 12 
and 18-pounders, two 9-pounders). Before flight they exploded their reserve 
ammunition. 

The want of cavalry prevented any efficient pursuit j it was pushed to a dis- 
tance of 8 or 4 miles without results by a few troopers of the Sind Horse. The 
14th Dragoons and Blake's Horse Artillery were still delayed on the river 
banks. 

The troops bivouacked in line of battle where they stood ; the night proved 
bitterly cold. 

During the night a false alarm induced the outlying pickets of two regi- 
ments to fire into each other, by which five men were wounded. The Dragoons 
and Horse Artillery joined the camp during the night. 

On the 27th the army marched back to Muhammarah, and occupied it. 

The flies in the date' groves by day and the fleas in the sands by night 
caused great inconvenience. ° 

Guards were posted in the town, and orders issued that private property 
should be strictly protected, as also every precaution taken to prevent ill-usage 
to the inhabitants. 

The loss of the enemy was estimated to be S00 killed. Many, of the 
wounded were during their flight mercilessly butchered by the Arabs. 

The few that fell into our hands, imagining that they were only being 
reserved for greater torture, at first resisted all kinds of treatment, even 
water, from the hands of their captors — an unmistakable evidence of their 
own brutality in warfare. 

Our casualties were ten men killed, one officer (Lieutenant Harris, i.h.) 
and thirty men wounded. 

On inspection the batteries were found to be much damaged, and most of 
the embrasures destroyed. The works were strong and regularly constructed ; 
parapets, 18' thick at base, 10' at top. The embrasures S' by 2' were formed 
of date stumps, firmly fixed in the ground, and blinded by a roofing of sods 
and date stems. 

The north battery bad embrasures for 18 guns, and stood on the right 
bank of the Karun at its junction with the Shatt-ul-Arab, and looked across 
and down the stream of that river. The south battery had eleven guns, and was on 
the opposite bank of the Kanin, commanding in the same direction. A small 
fort, between the north battery and the town, and connected with the former 
by a long entrenchment, with embrasures for guns, also mounted 8 or 10 guns. 

This entrenchment, crowded with infantry, had kept up a heavy musketry 
fire during the action. 

Several minor batteries of from two to four guns were on either bank ; and 
just outside the west face of the town, on the right bank, was a very carefully 
made and strong work for 10 guns. 

The following is a list of the Persian troops engaged in the defence : 

2 regiments Kassaji — commanded by Muhammad Marfd KMn, 

Sartip . . . . . . 

1 regiment Bahadan— Sartip A gd Jban Khan (killed) 

1 Silakhori — Moza Khan, Sarhang 

A v . 4 . T\T— K „ L.- ~ it .. .... „ ' 


2 regiments Feraghani — Muhammad Hussain KMn, Sartip 

2 ,, Luristani , 

1 regiment Jarrandi— All Nukkia Khan, Sartip 

Artillery . 


1,400 

700 

700 

1,400 

1,400 

700 

600 

6,900 


. 

11 





Total Regulars . 


, PA KT op THE 

KARtJir RIVER 

~ VEAK SI ^HA»rAHAH, 

Smle 1 AwA = vj J/e’fe. 



•? September 18S8 
J, A,- A. 



Irregakv Infeiitrr, Bak’atMri , 
Cavalry 
Arabs . 

Bil&Ms rfrfy/rfrf'v: ; A 


Total Irregulars 


] ,200 
1,500 
3,000 
400 

6,100 

13,000 


, Grand Total ' ' . 

; and ;8| guns* ‘ ^ ^ 

(Fm General Outranks despatch, see a Cakitdta Gazette ” of 23rd April 
^ 1857 J , ; ^ t ‘ , 

- Skips of 600 tons cm lie in the Hafar channel ; ships; of small to linage 
cm lie close .in shore, and at low water, both im the Hafar 'channel and in tb@" 
SfaatHd- Ar&b, north of M uhammar&h. A plank from ship to shore suffices for 
Thick date groves extend all along . the shore, intersected 
in every direction by wafer cuts, which render passage through them very 
difficult for horsemen and impossible for artillery ; for many of the cuts are 
very deep, and at high water very wide. The Golden Era, a thousand ton ship, 
was brought close in to the" hank, and slung her horses on shore. 

During spring tides the banks are overflowed and landing impossible. 

The small steamers ran close alongside the bank, | mile up the Hafir 
canal. By gang-boards horses were embarked on them at both high and low 
t tide. 

The sappers constructed several landing stages and floating platforms by 

planking over boats. 

The facilities for landing here may, therefore, be said to be great. By care- 
ful reconnaissance, points along the bank can be found, where the obstruction 
of creeks does not exist, and troops can at once march inland. 

• The best camping ground is the high open plain about 1 b miles, behind 
the town. For drinking, the water from the Hafar should be used. 

To follow up the enemy and to destroy his magazines at Aliwaz, an expedi- 
rr* f. tion was organized to ascend the river in the steamers 

arun expe i i . Comet , Bland , and Assyria under the direction of Com- 
mander Rennie, t.n. * 

The delay in the despatch of this reconnaissance, the total want of baggage 
animals preventing it being carried out in any other way, was due to the 
necessity of coaling the steamers, and putting on board seven days* provi- 
sions, whilst all were busily engaged disembarking tents and stores from the 
transports. 

The troops told off for the service were 150 men from the flank companies 
of the 6tt-h Regiment, and a like number furnished by the Light and 
Captain Me Andrew’s companies of the 78th Highlanders. Each steamer 
took 100 men. The following officers accompanied the expedition — viz,, 
Captain Wray, Assistant Quarter Master General; Captain Green, Military 
Secretary to Sir James Outram ; Captain Kemball, Political Agent in Turkish 
Arabia and Consul at Baghdad ; Captain Baigrec, Lord Kerr, &e. The troops 
were commanded by Captain Hunt of the 78th Highlanders. 

The steamers left Muhammarah about 10-80 a.m. on the morning of the 
88th March, the Comet leading and lending a tow-rope to the Assyria . A gun- 
boat carrying two 81-pounder howitzers was also in tow of each steamer. 

At sunset the flotilla anchored for the night close to the ruined fort of 
Kotal-al-Abd. The Karun is here about 100 yards wide, 18' to 20' deep, with 
a powerful current ; its banks fringed on. both sides with dwarf poplar and 
willow jungle, which extends but a short distance from the bank. 




, : 


Below this point to Muhammarah, the Karun varies in width from 90 to 
180 yards; banks in many places high and generally covered with tamarisk 
or dwarf poplar jungle. The marks of five guns and a light four-wheeled 
carriage were noted close to the anchorage, the Shustar road here being' within 
150 yards of the bank. 

Getting under weigh at daylight on the SOth March, the ruined mosque 
of Imam Sabbali, the enemy’s second halting ground, was reached early in 
the afternoon. At this point the river begins to bend sharply, and the progress 
was slow; an anchorage for the night was effected off the Arab village of 
Ismaini; information was here obtained that the enemy had passed up the 
previous day with 7 regiments, 2,000 horse, and 4 guns ; another with its 
broken carriage was towed up. The Arabs were most friendly, and brought 
supplies of sheep, milk, &c., in abundance. With the earliest dawn of the 31st 
March, the flotilla was again under weigh, and the Comet , now casting off 
the Assyria, proceeded alone, at full speed, to overtake, if possible, the 
boat with the gun. At 9 a.m. the first straggler was captured ; here another 
of their bivouacs was passed; the Persian flight was so precipitate that but a 
small stock of food or fodder was carried with them ; their horses appeared to 
have been fed on camel-thorn, there being no sign of grain or forage anywhere. 
Moran was passed in the afternoon, and in the evening Kut-Omaira, where the 
Arabs came out in numbers, bringing sheep, milk, &c* They gave informa- 
tion that the enemy had reached Ahwaz on the 30th, but had not yet crossed 
the river; that the horses had been sent on on account of scarcity of forage; 
that provisions were scarce, those at Ahwaz being the only store that they had 
to depend upon ; and that the force was concentrating opposite Ahwaz on the 
right bank. 

At 3 a.m,, on the 1st April, the pursuit was resumed, and soon after day. 
light Ahwaz was sighted, and the Persian army seen drawn up behind a 
ridge on the right bank. There were crowds of horsemen, some guns, and 
infantry innumerable. Four large masses of infantry were partly screened by 
a low range of sand-hills which ran along their front; three guns were in 
position near a small mpsque in their centre, a fourth being on a slope below 
and to the left of it. Their line fronted down the river and at a slight angle 
to it, their left resting immediately upon its bank. The flotilla steamed to 
within 3,000 yards of the position, capturing the boat carrying the 12-pounder 
brass gun. A couple of horsemen, following the movements of the steamers, 
were dispersed by a rifle shot. 

Some Arabs now hailed from Ahwaz, and were brought on board ; they 
gave information that the garrison of the ..village did not exceed 500 infantry 
and 30 horse left to protect the stores which had scarcely been touched by 
the enemy before our approach. It was now determined to land on the left 
bank, and to reconnoitre Ahwaz. To cover the movement, a gunboat was to 
ascend the river and open fire with its two howitzers, covering "the retirement, 
should Ahwaz prove to be held in force. 

Beyond two boats and two baliams, the enemy had no means of crossing the 
river, and the force ran no risks on this account. 

At 10 a.m. the landing took place. To deceive the enemy, three separate * 
detachments were formed, each <e in rank entire, ” to act and look like 
regiments in brigade. The landing and these arrangements were made in 
jungle sufficiently high to conceal the men, and to prevent their numbers being 
ascertained. 

A single line of skirmishers, each man 10 or 12 paces apart, first issued 
from the bushes on the plain in view of the enemy ; the supports followed 
these at about 10 0 yards interval, also in single rank, and with files very 


it 


i 


I 

' • •' ■ . I i 



| 

; i 




: 


: , | j gup 

r h8r 







much loosened. At another interval of about 100 yards, tke three main 
detachments advanced, about 200 yards apart, each in columns of threes, and 
opened out to very wide intervals. The Highlanders were on the left; the 
64th in the centre, and Captain McAndrew's detachment of 64th and High- 
landers on the right. 

Cowed by his recent defeat, the troops exhausted by a rapid retreat and 
want of food, and the heavy shells from the gun-boat bringing to mind the 
recent losses experienced at Muhammarah, the Shahzadah retired, leaving 
his supplies to their fate. The town was not defended, the garrison retiring 
up the river. On the approach of the troops, the village Shaikh, with his 
retinue, came out some 100 yards to claim protection, and to make his sub- 
mission. On the condition of his pointing out and assisting to destroy the 
Persian magazines, it was agreed that private houses should not be searched, 
and the town property should be respected. 

The Persians neither returned the fire of the gun-boat nor opened upon 
the town, although the range was within 500 yards. 

About noon a shell was pitched close to a small mosque where the Shahzadah 
had his head-quarters, whereupon a movement in retreat commenced, and the 
army of 9,000 or 10,000 men retired in perfect order before a detachment of 
306. Taking the detachment as the advance guard of General Outranks 
force, and dreading a general action, the Persian prince preferred to run the risk 
of losing his men by starvation in a retreat upon Shustar, where were his next 
dep6ts of supplies, and to abandon his supplies and a strong military position. 

Their infantry, still keeping in four distinct masses, first retired, march- 
ing very rapidly on a course parallel to the river, taking the four guns seen in 
position with them. The cavalry, exceeding 2,000 in number, brought up the 
rear; they were well mounted and dressed in long blue frocks, with trousers 
of lighter colour, a white belt, and the high black lambskin cap peculiar to 
the Persians. A sabre and long matchlock, slung across their backs, appeared 
to be their only arms ; no lances were seen. Amongst them were the 
pick of the Bakhtiari horse, esteemed to be the Shah's best cavalry. They 
carried three standards with them in crimson cases, not flying. A party 
crossed over and exploded the ammunition abandoned. 

As much flour and wheat as could be stowed on the steamers was retained ; 
the remainder of the immense stores of grain was thrown open to the Arabs 
to carry away. Besides grain, 15 cases of firelocks and bayonets were taken, 56 
mules, a number of pack saddles, numerous intrenching tools, and many sheep. 

It was proposed to follow the enemy to Wais. Had this been possible, 
the starving army might have surrendered. The scheme was found to be 
impracticable however, as the steamers could not be got past tliejiver bunds. 

( For despatch in full, see u Calcutta Gazette )} of 2nd May 1857.) 

The climate was pleasant; the mornings and nights cool, the maximum 
heat being 80°. 

For a description of Almaz, see Military Eeport on South-West Persia , 
Intelligence Branch , Quarter Master General’s Department in India . To the 
remarks there made upon the means of turning the rapids may be added 
the simple expedient of blasting a passage in-shore on the left bank, of sufficient 
width, and of stationing there permanent gangs of Arabs to haul the traffic 
through. A suitably buoyed passage midstream or along the right bank would 
enable all boats to shoot them without danger during the spring of the year. 

The expedition remained at Alnvaz during the 2nd of April. On the 
morning of the 3rd, it left for Muhammarah, running down stream at a great 
speed, and reaching it at 8 p.m. 


g— 


liagli 


. s 


&, c ; 


During its absence all the stores and tentage required for the comfort; 
of the army had been landed, and a large, regularly pitched camp established 
on the open plain, about a mile from the river, the most elevated spot to be 
found in the neighbourhood. A strong moral effect was produced by the 
capture of Muhammarah, which the Persians imagined they had rendered 
impregnable by the massive batteries they bad erected, the number of guns they 
had placed in them, and the strength of the garrison. This was . the only 
blow that could be struck after the occupation of Push ire without penetrating 
into the interior — an operation which would have caused a heavy drain on our 
resources. Fortunately for both countries, both had discovered how unwise 
it was to continue the struggle. >, 

General Outrara thus wrote non-officially to the Chairman in the Court of 
Directors of the result of the Ahwaz expedition : “A more daring feat is not 
on record perhaps than that of a party of 300 infantry, backed by three small 
river boats, following up an army of some 8,000 men, braving it by opening 
fire, deliberately landing and destroying tlie enemy's magazines, and capturing 
one of his guns in the facts of his entire army, and actually compelling that 
army to fly before them, and then occupying for three whole days the posi- 
tion they had compelled the enemy to vacate. The effect will be to clear 
Khuzistan entirely of the Persians ; and the entire province, including Shu star 
and Dizful, is now at our command, and the Persians will never make head 
again in the province, for they have neither troops nor guns, nor stores nor 
munitions of war, wherewith to reinforce and supply their troops in this quarter. 
Whether, therefore, we occupy Aliwaz or Shustar, the Persians will certainly 
leave the province altogether in apprehension of an attack from our army. 

The news of the treaty of peace concluded at Paris on the 4th March, 
negotiated between Lord Cowley and Farukh Khan, was received and pro- 
mulgated. The troops were in good health and condition, acclimatized and 
inured to exposure in all weathers. 

The Comet proceeded to Baghdad to ascertain the conditions of peace. 
The 64th Regiment early in the month rejoined the 1st Division at Bushire. 
Russian influence alone could have protracted Persian resistance after the 
occupation of Bushire and Muhammarah, her finances being in a deplorable 
state, and her forces disorganized. 

Pending the ratification of the treaty, the Shahzadah sent in a messenger 
to inform Sir James Outram of the conclusion of peace, and received a reply 
that had he not been aware of it, he should have been at Shustar to beat his 
quarters up days before. 

Like notification was received at Bushire by General Jacob from the 
Sarashkarbashi, who received in answer the following replies : 




7 


Itiilil 

H 


Dated Bushire, 12th April 1857. 

After compliments, &c., &c. — 

a You mention the evils of war. No injury can come to the English 
from the continuance of the war with Persia, which His Majesty the Shah, 
under the influence of foolish advisers, has provoked. But when the English 
Government shall have been satisfied and may be pleased to give orders to that 
effect, there will be peace/'* 

And again on the 15th April : 

« As to the peace at which the Shuja rejoices, and on hearing of which he 
has apparently become brave and proposes to advance nearer to the British 



cam p, I have heard that His Majesty the Shah having satisfied the demands 
of the English Government, it has been determined to make peace ; but no 
terms or particulars have as yet reached me.” 

« We have not found the Persian soldiers very formidable in war. They 
have probably out of pure mercy and good-will kept pretty well out of our 
reach ; but be it peace or be it war, if the Persian Commander-in-Cliief or 
the brave and truthful Shuja-ul-Mulk presuming on our forbearance move 
nearer our camp, and their people bausc any annoyance to our servants and 
unarmed followers, whether of this country or of India, I shall order my 
cavalry to take the offenders, and shall cause them to be punished ; for if it be 
war, they are enemies ; and if it be peace, they are robbers.'" 

The enemy’s army in retreat on Shustar was described to be in such extre- 
mity from want of provisions, that they might at any moment be heard of as 
having dispersed, each man seeking to subsist as best be might. The silence 
of their guns and non-resistance to our proceedings at Ahwaz is fully 
accounted for by the fact of their having but seven mule-loads of ammunition 
with their entire army; and as they were expecting, when they moved off, 
that they might possibly be overtaken and brought to action, they would, in 
case they had expended this on us, have been almost without the means of resist-. 


To insure his army fighting to the last, the Shah had actually ordered the 

Want of cavalry. if tlibes *° f oso ** f ss f having 

them no retreat ; so that five hundred sabres would in 


this instance have secured us the Shahzadah himself, his guns, and his army 
days before the intelligence reached us which tied the General's hands. With 
the magnificent and incomparable cavalry, both regular and irregular, at her 
command, the greater mismanagement and pity it is that Great. Britain should 
ever lack a sufficiency of this arm wheu results almost incalculable might, as on 
this occasion, have been secured by their presence. 

The Planet steamer left Muhammarali with despatches for Baghdad on the 
29th April. 

Sir James Outram thus wrote to Mr. Murray on the 23rd April : 

“ The previous official announcement of peace, received here on the night 
of the 4th April, of course tied our hands and saved the Prince's army from 
unconditional capitulation, which must have followed the advance of this 
division to Ahwaz (if not to Shustar itself) ; for the inhabitants of Shustar and 
Dizful would probably have risen against their oppressors at our approach 
(as, indeed, we received intimation they proposed doing) ; but without anv 
such compulsion their dread of our advance against them would, there can be 
no doubt, have induced proffers of surrender in their dispirited state, conscious 
as they are of their inability to stand against us (even had they the pluck), 
as they are devoid of ammunition and supplies ; and they would prefer the 
alternative of surrender to us to running the gauntlet of the tribes in any 
endeavour to retire towards Burujird. They have scarcely any musket ammuni- 
tion even left wherewith to defend themselves. 

“ Knowing that this division would meet with no opposition, I had arranged 
to send it up to Aliwaz under command of Havelock, there to be guided by the 
information Kemball would obtain regarding the state of the enemy, whether or 
not to push on to Shustar ; and the information we have since received makes 
it certain that the occupation of Shustar (and Dizful) would have been 
effected without opposition; consequently Havelock would certainly have 
advanced, and the surrender of the Persian army must have ensued. I myself 


55 



arranged to returned to Bushire (sending back the 64th there) to attack 
the Sirkesheechee Bashee*; and from the information we now have of the 
position lie has taken ap at Nanizak, there can be little doubt that we could 
have cut off his retreat by the cavalry dashing round to his rear when attacked 
by our artillery and infantry from the front. Of the result there can be no 
doubt : thirty more guns added to our stores,, and another army captured or 
destroyed — a very satisfactory termination for our short campaign. 

“ No discretionary power lias been left to me to sent back any portion of 
the army to India; and, perhaps, slippery as Persian diplomatists so noto- 
riously are, it is as well to husband all our strength in Southern Persia until 
the Shah has really ratified the treaty. But I should have preferred all 
troops, beyond those who can be maintained in Bushire, being located at 
Karachi (whence they could be brought back in time for further operations, 
should they be necessary) to keeping them here. As it is, I am compelled to 
leave the 2nd Division in this neighbourhood, for we cannot accommodate 
more troops at Bushire/ * 

The banks of the Karun were examined with the view to the selection of 
a permanent camping ground as far as Sabla, but none offered itself better 
than that the troops now occupied. It was determined on the 24th April to 
collect material and to build huts at once ; the shipping to he kept in readiness 
to receive the troops, and on the least appearance of sickness the men to be 
transferred to them, and dropped down to the mouth of the river or any other 
healthy spot. ■/;. • .... t 

It was proposed to extemporise quarters for Europeans, double roofed and 
well ventilated, with tatties to temper the fiery air ; to build efficient huts for 
the sepoys, and to roof in the transports to provide cool barracks for the 
sickly. , ^ 

The supply of forage for the baggage animals and the detention were 
serious considerations. 

General Jacob opposed the idea of cantoning troops at Muhammarah, and 
wrote thus to General Out-ram on the subject : u I am quite certain that if you 
do as you propose, you will make a most shocking mess of it, and perhaps 
cause the most serious loss by sickness. 

“ We know what the deltas of large rivers are all over the world. I care not 
what particular spot you select in them or near them ; a few miles here or 
there, or a few feet or a hundred feet of higher or lower level, make no differ- 
ence. The locality is deadly, and must be so during and after the inundation. 

u Muhammarah, or other place near the mouth of the Euphrates, is only 
^valuable, and should only be occupied as the extremity of the Karun line. 
If we have not this line, to attempt to hold the mouth of the river is mad- 
ness ; we should have all the injury and inconvenience, and none of the 
advantage. 

“ The loss by sickness in one season would probably be fifty times greater 
than any which we could suffer in retaking the place if necessary; while, in 
the one case, the survivors would be broken-hearted and demoralized, and, in 
the other, strengthened and encouraged to further exertions/' 

General Jacob expressed his conviction that the climate of Bushire was 
better than it had been represented to be, and the island of Kharaj was the 

* As now rendered Sarkasliakchibashi, commander of the guard. His force had been esfci- 
mated in February at 27,000 men, including 31 regiments of regular infantry and a numerous body 
of cavalry, with 85 guns. But Sir James knew that many of the guns must be left above the 
passes. 


ISWlllillil 








M 


Ai 


Hi 


MPH 


-3 



%est place in the Gulf for troops, there being abundant spring's of beautiful 
water there. 5=5 

These opinions were adopted. 

In the end of April, the General visited Kharaj and Bushire with the object 
of providing healthy shelter for the force. j 

After securing General Jacob’s consent to remain in command on his 
eventual departure for India he returned to Muhammarah, and thence, on the 
17th May, proceeded to Baghdad to arrange the formation of the mission to 
be deputed to Herat to see the evacuation of that fortress and district carried 
out by the Persians; and, m conjunction with Captain Kemball, to take 
measures for the disposal and discharge of such portions of the animals and 
establishments of the land transport corps as were not required at Bushire. 
Persia ^ 16 Ba S h dau for Bushire, and on June 17 th final] y left 

Early in May^ the force at Muhammarah began to disperse ; the High- 
landers and Blake s horse artillery, the mountain train and Madras sappfrs, 

being the first to leave for India. At this time the thermometer read 102- 
in the tents. 

On the break up of the force, the following Field Force Order was issued : 

Field Force Order, dated Camp Muhammarah, 9th Maj 1857. 

‘[ C r,T mt °r tbe f ssat i° n of hostilities in Persia, the following troops 
will be held in readiness to embark for India • ° no P s 

“Third Troop of Horse Artillery to Karachi j 1st company 2nd Battalion of 
Artillery to Karachi ; reserve companies to Bombay ; Her Majesty’s 6kh He 
giment to Vingorla; Her Majesty’s 78th Highlanders to Bombay] Light Bat 
talion to Bombay ; Madras Sappers and Miners to Bombay. ^ 

“ 2. The 23rd Native Light Infantry and the 26th Native Infantry are 
transferred to the 1st Division, and will proceed to Bushire with the detach- 
meD « f m, nd I ?°I Se a f nd 1 La " d Ti-ansport Corps now at Muhammarah. 

P T f P °- tbS 2nd , DlVlsl0n wil1 rctam to Bombay, with the 
exception of the engineers ordnance, and commissariat departments, which 
will proceed to Bushire, and await further instructions. 

“4. Brigadier-General Jacob, c.B., will command the troops stationed at 
Bushire, wlueli will be organized as follows : 1 U 1 

“ Cavalry Brigade -. :3rd Regiment Light Cavalry, Sind Horse, Punah 
Horse Aden roop, 14th King s Light Dragoons— Brigadier Stewart 

Artillery Brigade . — 4th Truop Horse Artillery 3rd LioLf Pml,] Poo 
5th Light Field Battery , 8th Light Field Battery, three companies of the W 

1,1 tle itL 

“ Infantry, 1st Brigade.— 20th Regiment Native Tnfantry, 26th Regiment 
Native Infantry .—Colonel Maean ; 2nd Brigade— 4th Beno-al Nntih t,,y l 4 
23rd Regiment Native Light Infantry, BiMeh Battalion. -Cokmel Ilonnei T ’ 

o. The Lieutenant-General avails himself of this opportunity to return 
his wannest thanks to the whole of the troops placed under his command for 
service m Persia, for their very exemplary conduct since their airSn tlfil 
country, evinced by the fact of scarcely one instance of SeoXt ont 
part of any individual having been brought to his notice. This entire ab 
sence of crime amongst so large a body of troops assembled in camp redounck 
to the credit of both officers and men, and is the strongest possible proof of the 


57 


cxptdS; °L d 2'^ °1„ j 1 ' : t i ’™'Kh' ! 1 l J tr r s' 1 ™ 1 «■• 

, “«■ Lieutenant-General 1s!r laif o"r” n ' le, ' mOStl !?”* dre »»“‘u»ee” 

Wur.dwithsuchacomraandblTot M„? “ *? l - d “ r wh ° b “ b«M 

opportunity has not been afforded theVoons hvTlf Dg h ’ S r f gret tlmt mo ™ 
ot that prowess and gallant spirit Jhth i V tte eUemy for tlte display 
ranks; but as peace hfs been concluded ty g ei kn ° ws . to P™I amongst ad 
inent, it is a source of much satisfWKm/ f +u ^ T ^ C10US Majesty's Govern- 
great portion of the force is thus enabled to Ll + eutenarjt -General that a 
the monsoon commences; and he hones fhit 40111 0Dee to dnd ia before 
of the Persian Government with tireond tions'ot H 0011 "/ 11 ! 1106 ° n the P art 
remove the necessity which still exists for ^ 16 treat >' wil1 shortly 

“ 7. Whilst bidding farewell to thA lui f bpr oc <mpation of Bushire. 
mg them a pleasant voyage and hannv abo " t , t ° le . ave Persia, and wish- 

in India, the Lieutenant-General beS to assert th J families audfr; ends 
is to remain at Eushire **»» th»« 

that no exertion will be spared fa/render theii U t *° r theu ’ welfare, and 
as comfortable and as little injurious to tli h( Sf this country 

bar lacks are in course of erection, and militarv m t M P assi ^ e - Spacious 
are being collected for their use. 4 7 materia!s of every description 

to all now about to 1 ^W^ S t^i^i^' n ^^ l ^|^!' offer his sincere thanks 
C.b.j for the zealous and valuable ^ i iT ^^* a( ^ ler -Greneral Havelock 

«je ™ «““ » 

to Brigadiers Hutt, Hale and H™;it ! , wdl beso good as to convev 
personal, divisional, and brigade staffs Stf 4 ° f * ! ? General officers of his 
mental officers, a similar expression of’hfiY i “V® t he “edieal and depart- 
services they have performed ° f *" ^ f ° r the vakab ^ and efiS 

Y U ’ m - «. “ d 

likewise Maior Bove Denntv T„T Tf Infantry of the 1st Division and 
Watson, Chaplain, who also return!' to *iZfa»' Geam!ll > md the Reverend G. 

By command, 

(Sd.) E. LUGAED, Colonel, 

t> , , , Chief <ff the Staff. 

troops from Iletotftfreltjffish all Sb^ 8 ^ 1 * 4 ° witlldraw his 

to demand any marks of obedience sur W ^ sovereignty over it, and never 
the King-) from the chiefs He furtW e comag*e 5 or hhutbah (prayerfor 
— "»*. fchn-l Xis of f »»» d i.tafcr! 

ence of Herat. All prisoners taken at and ‘° f «*«» the independ- 

ransom. The British mission * a ! Heiat wer f be set at liberty without 
The slave trade was to be suppressed in th r p 61v . ed a * Tihran with apologies, 
were to be made to Mr S o the P f man Gulf - finally, apoCies 
ministers. U1MJ fo1 the msoleut conduct of the Shah andhis 

at BagM " d between Mr - 

mainedin command at Bushire. ^ ° 1Ce ° U tbe E ‘ aruD; General L c Jb re- 




! 


§MI 




: fell 









.... '. - 


\a; .IMkj 


§g§ 

jm 






His best endeavours were given to completing Bushire as a dep6t of sup- 
plies and to stock it with coal, provisions, hay, &c., all of which had to be 
forwarded from India before the monsoon set in, or forwarded in country 
craft from the Euphrates. He also requisitioned India to supply smiths, car- 
penters, and tools, none being procurable in Persia. 

The Persian force collected during April at the foot* of the hills at Nanizak 
was estimated to be some 17,000 to 18,000 men, with 25 to 30 guns, and' wad 
known to be strongly posted. 

It was necessary to clear the plain of these, and to hold an advanced posi- 
tion dominating the plains ; to retreat after beating the enemy, or after his 
Sight would, General Jacob thought, do more harm than the delay necessary to 
ensure the arrangements to effect the above. ■ 

1 he force under General Jacob was insufficient for this purpose. Leaving 
one regiment in camp, he could not muster for the expedition over 1,500 infan- 
try. It was therefore proposed not to attack the Sarashkarbashi Until .rein- 
forcements could be sent from the Karun. 

General Jacob s opinion was that the army would never be satisfactorily 
placed until the whole country from the Karun to Bushire was in our occu- 
pation, and our communications carried on through it. 

Early in April detachments of the 3rd Cavalry and of the 14th Dragoons 
arrived at Bushire and landed. 

Ihe want of coal at the various ports of the Gulf and at Muscat was much 
felt. Towards the end of the month the stock both of it and of screwed hay 
became plentiful at Bushire, and sufficient for three months'’ consumption. On 
the 23 rd April, Geneial Jacob wrote to General Outran) proposing that, as he 
was quite convinced the peace would be confirmed, all the European troops 
should be. sent back to India; that Muhammarah should be abandoned, and 
the following garrison kept at Bushire, vie.': 

Two Infantry Brigades — 

1st Brigade . . ' . Regiment. 

12/ th 


2nd Brigade . C Light Battalion altered to 23rd Regiment, 

ri . , ° ' * iBiiueh „ 


One Artillery Brigade — 

3rd Troop Horse Artillery . ,r 

Gibbard’s Mold Fattery . . 3 with four subalterns each. 

Hutche s Biekl Battery . . ( 

Two reserve companies of Golundauze, each with three officers. 

Commissary of Ordnance. 

Commanding Engineer. 

Two companies Sappers. 

All the artificers. 

One Cavalry Brigade — 

3rd Light Cavalry. 

Punah Irregular Horse. 

1st Regiment Sind Irregular Horse. 

• Two large steamers. 

The river steamers Planet , Comet , and one other to remain at Bushire. 

Plenty of coal. 

, ^ ^ ^f r< ? determined not to send the remainder of the force back to India, 

Be counselled the 2nd Division being moved to Kharaj, except the Sind Horse, 
c mar ebed to Bushire, attended by proper Persian officials. To 
hold Muhammarah, he recommended that two large ships of war be stationed 
here; so that should the crews get sickly, one at a time might go on a cruise 


59' 



Oil the 1 5th May, Brigadier-General Havelock, with the staff of his late 
division and the Light Battalion, sailed for India, All had embarked by the 
16th May. Previous to his departure, the town of Muhammarah was given up 
to Shaikh Jabber's tribe of K'ab Arabs, and the Clive sloop was left moored in 
the river to prevent the ‘Persians from molesting them or entering the town 
before tbe evacuation of Herat should be certainly ascertained. Of the original 
force, the 64th Regiment, 2nd European Light Infantry, 78th Highlanders, 
Light Battalion, 3rd Troop Horse Artillery, No. 2 Light Field Battery, and the 
Madras Sappers and Miners returned to India. 

The 20th, 23rd, 26th, Biluch Battalion, 4th Rifles, No. 3 and No. 
5 Light Field Batteries, No. 4 Troop Horse Artillery, the Native Light 
Field Battery, 3rd Cavalry, Punah. Horse, Sind Horse, and Bombay Sappers 
were to remain at Bushire and Kharaj until the terms of fhe treaty had been 
fulfilled. ' * 

A party of officers (two, Captain Green and Dr. Wood) proceeded to 
Baghdad to accompany the Ambassador to Tihran, 

Jfhe Herat deputation consisted of Major R. L. Taylor, 18th Bombay 
Native Infantry, Lieutenant Claude Clerk, 2nd Madras Cavalry, and Lieu- 
tenant B. Hardy, Bombay Artillery. 

When in June Genera] Outram proceeded to India, he handed over the 
command at Bushire to General Jacob, c.&. 

His principal attention was required to provide effective shelter for the 
four months of summer. This was so well accomplished that the mortality 
among the troops was no greater than if they had been iu a temperate climate. 

The occupation of Bushire lasted till October, when it was handed over 
to the Persians. A single Native Infantry regiment remained on the island 
of Kharaj till the beginning of 1858, when it too was evacuated (4th 
February 1858). 

The writer* of u the Persian War of 1856-57" thus concludes his article in 
Blackwood: 

“ So ended the Persian war of 1856-57. Like the little child in Southey's 
c famous victory/ our readers may ask, * And what good came of it at last ? ' 


And we cannot tell, any more than the old man could, except that it certainly 
was not a * famous' victory. It is not much to boast of that by an expend- 
iture of two or three millions sterling, we equipped a force sufficient to har- 
ass the shores of a barbarous empire, which had not a single war-galley. W. 
made the Persians give up Herat; but what benefit either Her Majesty's 
Indian or English empire received we cannot comprehend. » What little interest 
we have in Persia should be friendly, "and make it an object to strengthen 
her; but by depriving her of Herat, we of course weakened her, and alienated 
her affections. Formerly English officers used to drill the Persian batta- 
lions; but lately a whole staff of Frenchmen have been summoned to Tihran. 
By making Herat independent, we have added one more to the turbulent prin- 
cipalities of Central Asia, and therefore made one more chance of a disturb- 
ance. This would matter little to the English public or Indian ryot (who, 
as he has to pay the war charges, is a principal party interested) were it not 
for the unfortunate inclination our statesmen evince to meddle in these mat- 
ters, which concern them not. 

“The British Embassy returned to Tihran in July, and a mission under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor was despatched to Herat to see the former 


* His conclusions can be received only as those of a Magazine writer with a partial knowledge 
of the requirements of Imperial interests (If. S» B.) 


60 


dynasty re-established, and the Persian occupation properly terminated. 
This object was successfully accomplished. 

iS There were two circumstances so disposed of by Providence at this time 
as materially to sustain our empire in the East : one, was the conclusion of 
the war with .Persia; the other, the commencement of the war with China. 
The first sent the 64th and 78th Regiments, with the gallant Havelock, to 
Bengal, and saved ■ Lucknow 'from the fate of Cawnpore. The- war with 
China had summoned a large force from Great Britain, who were diverted 
from their .course. at Singapore, and placed under the Indian Government, by 
orders of Lord Elgin. Our statesmen have taken measures to prevent another' 
Indian mutiny. We trust that public opinion will prevent our statesmens 
, from commencing another Persian ward* , 


1 




!<. * 



ROUGH sketch 

op THE 

attack oh 

Bashir 


"■ Cav 


£P ® 

Dn i V eewE 


b'e+xs'Ji' 



,A\ ; i i .7/^sUf.v/,^ 


I SOOycLs | 


CA,,„ / y/ 

V V/ *""l 1 ** > /w;j r , ' f y^;/ni'' / W///n n w//l UC' S ' > // £>Qtb j^j | 

2"* position 
33 -rok^ux/ ^ rou^odj 


’i 1 2.H.A.gcjr<s lfl 


*/®J •'•-'■ 
yr*U . c 


(Sd.) J WRAY, extern, 

ft M„ J\ p. j? P' 


3 d Cava I ry 

\.jr one squadron 


B att e ry fjf 




E • L . I. 


Svance skirmish 


^ bg de 


e,Kv**m^ 


^ Battery 


V/3^C S 


Baiuch 


2" 05 E.L.i 


■I' <|f >1' i|i ijr t|s 

3 at t e rjy 


reference. 

a The redoubt of Rashir. 


ince of the line 


812 am v 

. 




l - i ‘-< September iSSS 

£*0. J. A A. 


Avvmmx a. 



Despatches and Extracts prom Reports concerning the movements and 

NUMBERS OF THE ENEMY. 


Nor detailed despatches , see “ Calcutta Gazettes ” cf 1st November 1856, 7th January f 
12th March , 23rd April , 2nd May , and 19th June 1857 . 


Dated Bushire* 12th December 1856. 


Despatch from— M ajor-General F. Stalker, c.b., Commanding Persian Expe- 
ditionary Foi'ce, 

To — The Adjutant-General, Bombay Army. 


1 have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency the 
Commander-in-Chief, the movements of the Field Force under my command 
since the commencement of the operations. 

On our arrival off Bushire, I despatched reconnoitring* parties to examine 
the coast between the fort and FI all la Bay. See rough sketch No. 7, and also 
pages 107 and 110 . 

The reports I received were to the effect that the only points at which a 
landing could he effected at neap tides were immediately to the proper left of 
the Bushire batteries under the fire of the walls and in Halfia Bay. 

There being a deficiency of boats, and being unwilling to expose the 
infantry to the fire of the enemy's batteries without the certainty of supports 
from our own artillery, I determined on landing in Halfia Bay. At midday, 
on the 6th instant, the fleet dropped down to the Bay, and anchored at 
miles from the beach. Before evening all our arrangements were made and 


necessary orders given for the landing, &e. At daylight, on the 7th, the 


landing of the troops commenced, covered by the gunboats of the fleet. As 
the boats neared the shore, a number of armed men, between 600 and 400 
probably, appeared among the date groves near the landing place, but they 
were driven away by the fire from the boats. The troops landed without 
further opposition, and advanced immediately into the date groves, whence 
they were removed the same evening to better ground near the village of 
Halfia. 

On the morning of the 9th, I advanced towards Bushire, intending to 
occupy the village of Imamzadah with my right, and to place my left near 
the old fort of Bushire, so as to communicate easily with the store and 
hospital ships, which, by previous arrangement with Rear-Admiral Sir Henry 
Leeke, had been ordered to stand in and anchor as near shore as possible. 

The advance party found Rashir in possession of the enemy — some men of 
the Tangistani tribes under their chief. The advance skirmished with the 
enemy until the main body came up, when, after a sharp fight, the tribesmen 
were destroyed or driven off, and the force encamped. On the following 
morning I advanced on Bushire, passing the wells and redoubt outside the 
town without opposition. A number of men occupied the ground, and had 
entrenched themselves on it close to the redoubt, but, as we approached, they 
disappeared. 









As we neared the town, we saw the garrison passing in great numbers 
from the batteries towards the creek. At 1 j?.m. the force was in front of 
the town. The governor surrendered, and those of the garrison who had not 
made their escape across the creek laid down their arms the same evening in' 
front of the gateway. 

I am now encamped near the redoubt, a mile from the walls of the town. 
The permanent encampment is marked out, and we are now moving into it. 

The force landed without baggage. The men had their greatcoats, 
canteens filled with water, and three days’ cooked rations, and were for four 
days and nights without any shelter whatever. I am happy to say that as 
yet they do not appear to suffer from the exposure. 

The want of dooly-bearers was severely felt. We were obliged to make 
up canvas stretchers for the sick and wounded, and our men, assisted by tent 
and store lascars, had to carry them. 

All the sick are now in the hospital ship, and are well cared for. 


Memo, by— Captain J. Wbay, Assistant Quarter Master General, Persian Expeditionary 

Field Force. 

See rough sJcelch No. S- A. of the attach on Bashir. 

A . — The redoubt of Raslffr. 

B. — Village occupied by the enemy. 

The advance moved at the well C y and took up a position as shown. After 
an hour's delay, some of the enemy made their appearance in the direction of 
the village B , and the left gun opened to drive them back again. The enemy 
immediately opened & hot fire from the front face of the work, wounding 
several of our men. The main body, being now near at band, the line retired 
for several hundred yards, the enemy following up closely. At about 800 
yards from the redoubt the line deployed and advanced, covered by the fire of 
the field batteries and horse artillery, and stormed the work, the survivors 
of the enemy leaving it by its rear face, the cavalry following along the sea 
beach. 


Memo, by— C aptain J. Wjiay, Assistant Quarter Master General, Persian Expeditionary 

Field Force. 


"References . 

(a) battery at point; (b) battery facing sea; (c) battery facing sea; 
(r7) battery facing sea ; {e) battery behind gate ; (/) gateway; (g) deseSled 
redoubt. 

(A) shows the position of the horse artillery and cavalry who were sent off 
to the right to cut off the guns when we saw them move off from the 
battery. 

(j?) The advance of the 5th Light Field Battery on right, 1st Brigade, de- 
ployed. 2nd Brigade, in mass of columns, afterwards deployed in 
contiguous columns at quarter distance. 

(C) Small party of cavalry. 

(D) Four companies 2nd European Light Infantry, sappers, and 6 guns 

sent to occupy the deserted battery at 6. 











■ *■ . i 


{E) Intended position of gun-boats in the creek. f ; j 

See Rough sketch No. 3 of the advance on Rush ire, 10th December 1856. j; I 

From the Quarter Master General, Bombay Army, to tlie Commissary General, Bombay,— 

No. 112, dated 5th January 1857. 

Calls for report of the causes which prevented the despatch of the cattle ; j 

and dooly-bearers from Bombay in time to aid in the landing .of the troops i \ 

and stores at Bushire. • fci 


Dated Bushire, 12th December 1856. 

Despatch from— Major-General F. Stalker, c.b., Commanding Persian Expo- I :' 

ditionary Field Force, . g 


uj.uoua.ry jc letu cuiw, 

To — The Adjutant General, Bombay Army. - E.S- i 

I have the honor to report, for the information of His Excellency the 
Commander-in-Chief, the complete success which, _ under the protection of 
Almighty God, has attended our arms. The British flag waves over the 
walls of Bushire. The place, infinitely stronger than I had any reason to 'W 

believe from the information I had received, surrendered on the appearance fe 

of our troops before it on the 10th instant. The previous day we had a smart I" 

affair in dislodging the enemy from a strong position they occupied in the 
TV ■Pm.f nf “R.oobir* TIia '-/> a.analf.iAR nn this nncHsimi. thon.o*h Tmmpri. 


old Dutch fort of Rashir. 
cally small; were principal! 


— ~ o x - »/ x. 

e casualties on this occasion, though 


xiumen- 


captain YVOOU, JJieUbfciimUUS U ilbibuu u-uu. »» jwtcuj.^ui/u xncguucuu, vvuyuucu , .y 

the two latter since dead (Captain Wood, though severely wounded, is doing ■ 

well) . The lesson the enemy received on this occasion, together with the bom- 


well) . The lesson the enemy received on this occasion, together with the bom- 
barding of the works, the imposing appearance of the troops in line and of the ... 

fleet was doubtless the cause of their want of spirit in surrendering the strongly t 


uaiuillg UJL bllC YVU11V-, unv uu^vouig cnji^r - — r r ■ — w — ; 

fleet was doubtless the cause of their want of spirit in surrendering the strongly f i 

fortified town of Bushire, in which we have found §9 guns * with large quanti- F 

ties of ammunition and warlike stores. The governor of the place and the com- ' j 

inander of the troops came out and gave up their swords. They and one of the 

principal officials are no w in my camp, and will be sent to Bombay. The garrison, i 

to the number of 1,500 or 2,000 men (a large number having previously effected 
their escape, and very many others having been drowned in attempting to do j 

so) grounded their arms in front of our line, and were next morning escorted 
by the cavalry some distance into the country and set free. Every assistance 
; and co-operation has been rendered by the fleet; a heavy fire was opened in 

! the early morning, and kept up spiritedly for some hours, till the place surren- 
dered. At Rashir also, the previous day, all the co-operation possible was i 

rendered by the fleet. And my very best thanks are due to Sir Henry Leeke, | 

the officers and seamen, for their unwearied exertions in landing the troops, 

, wl lie b, owing to the absence ol any other boats than those of the fleet, was a 

l work of much labour, occupying the greater part of three days and two nights. .JMmm 

| The force landed at Hall la Bay, about 12 or 13 miles south of Bushire, with- M U 

| out any serious opposition, a body of 300 or 400 ; men who appeared being 

; scattered by the fire of the gun-boats. There being no caniage cattle, the ■’ 

i troops were landed without tents or baggage of any description, three days 

\ # Six others have since been discovered. [ 9 








64 



rations being carried in the havresacks. The hardships which the men have 
been called upon to undergo have been endured most cheerfully, and I cannot 
say too much in their praise. Being still without our baggage, I have been 
unable as yet to obtain the reports called for from the several officers com- 
manding brigades, regiments, and detachments; but I shall do myself the 
honor to enclose them for the information of His Excellency the Commander- 
ip-Chief. 1 ought to have mentioned that on approaching Bushire, the enemy 
were observed to occupy in some force an entrenched position, with a strong 
redoubt about a mile and a half from the walls, and commanding the wells from 
which the main supply of water for the town is derived. This position was 
precipitately abandoned on my line being formed. It also had sustained a 
bombardment from the fleet. 

I would beg especially to mention the unwearied exertions and valuable 
aid rendered to me, from the landing at Halfla Bay to the taking of Bushire 
by my Assistant Adjutant General, Lieutenant-Colonel Younghusband ; Cap- 
tain Wray, the Assistant Quarter' Master General; Major Hill, Commanding 
Engineer; Captain Dunsterville, Assistant Commissary General; and Dr. 
Mackenzie, the Superintending Surgeon. 

Brigadier Stopfordand Lieutenant-Colonel Maletdied leading on their men 
in the most gallant style. Brigadier Homier, Commanding 2nd Infantry 
Brigade ; Lieutenant-Colonel Shepheard, who succeeded to the command of 
the 1st Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant. Colonel Trevelyan, Commanding the 
Artillery Brigade; and Lieutenant-Colonel Tapp, Commanding the Cavalry 
Brigade, have earned my warmest thanks for the manner in which their 
arduous duties have been carried out, as also Captain Pottinger, Brigade 
Major of Artillery, whose exertions were conspicuous; and my best thanks are 
equally due to Major Sterling, Commanding Her Majesty’s CJth Iteo-i- 
ment; to Captain Macleod, who succeeded to the command of the 20th 
Regiment; to Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay, Commanding 2nd European Lio-ht 
Infantry; to Major Manson, Commanding 4th Rifles; to Captain Hough 
commanding 2nd Bilueh Battalion ; to Captain Forbes, who succeeded to the 
command of the 3rd Light Cavalry; to Major Blake, Commanding 4th Troop 
Horse Artillery ; to Captain Hatch, Commanding No. 3 Light Field Battery* 
to Captain Gibbard, Commanding No. 5 Light Field Battery; and to Captain 
Dickinson, Commanding the. Sappers and Miners. 

I have also derived every possible assistance from my aide-de-camp, Captain 
Hunter; Major Ballard, Head of the Intelligence Department; Major Bo ye 
the Deputy J udge Advocate General; Captain Rigby, who has acted as my 
Persian Interpreter; Captain Finnimore, Commissary of Ordnance; Captain 
Collier, Deputy Assistant Adjutant General ; Captain Shewell and Lieutenant 
Holland, Deputy Assistant Quarter Masters General ; Major Barr, Paymaster • 
and Lieutenant Willoughby, Sub-Assistant Commissary General! ’ 

Lord Dunkellin of the Coldstream Guards; Major Taylor of the Persian 
Embassy; and Mr. Johnstone of the Indian Navy also rendered most efficient 
service (having attached themselves to my personal staff) ; and to Mr John- 
stone's knowledge of the country and its inhabitants, with the unwearied zeal 
he has exhibited, I am much indebted. zea * 

In fine, nothing could have surpassed the admirable spirit exhibited by the 
officers and men of all ranks, and the utmost praise is due for their zeal 
devotion^ and gallantry* * 



A 


IF 


/J> 


* 


SKETCH 

OF THE 

advance of the bbitise tboofs 

0 H 

bushibb, 

tinder Major G-eneral Stalker, C.B., 


lOtih December 18S6, 


Scale 2 Inches = 1 -M*&. 


dfrfcz. 


(Sd ) J. WRAY, Captain, 



I. B„ September 1868. 
Exd. J. A. A, 




Return of killed, wounded, and missing in the. Field Force under the command of 
Major-General Stalker, c.B., in the action at Kashir on the 9th December 185£>. 


WOTJTrBSB, 


UfilBQFO'. 


Remarks, 


Artillery'. 

3rd Troop, Howe 
Artillery ; . ... 
Reserve . Artll- 
■ lery ... ... 


Names of officers hilled 
ana wounded. 

Brigadier Stopford, c.B., 
Commanding 1st In- 
fantry Brigade, killed. 

Major ( Brevet Lieute- 
nant-Colonel) Male!, 
3rd Light Cavalry, 
killed. 

Captain Wood, 20th ie- 
giment Native Infan- 
try, severely wounded. 

Lieutenant Warren, 20th 
.Regiment . Native In- 
fantry, mortally wound- 
ed ; since dead. 

Lieutenant Utterson, 

20th Regiment Native 
Infantry, mortally 
wounded j einee dead. 


Sappers ' and 
.Miners . ... 


Her Iklajegty’s 
64th Regiment 1 

20th Regiment 
" Native Infan- 


2nd j Brigade In - 
fantry. 

2nd European 
Light Infan- 
try 

■'4th Regiment 
Native Infan- 
try (Rifles) ... 

2$ Bilfleh 
attalion 


Two of these since dead. 


| t Both these officers since dead, 

F. STALKER, Major-General, 
Commanding Persian Expeditionary Force, 





It was determined that the disembarkation of the troops should take place 
in Hahla Bay, about 1 0 miles south of the town. All was ready on the morning* 
of the 7th instant, and the gunboats in advance to cover the landing, when a 
number of the enemy were discovered in a dategrove about 200 yards to the 
left of the beach; the boats opened fire, and, after the exchange of a few shots, 
the enemy retired. Here the famous chief, the son of Baukar Khan, was killed 
by a shell from one of the advanced boats, and I trust gave a check to, and 
prevented the approach of, a large number of Persian troops, who would have 
' very much harassed the army while landing. 

On the following day, I paid a visit to General Stalker at the camp, and 
on parting I promised him that I would keep close to the shore in this ship, and 
support the left of the array on its approach to the fort of Bashir (about 4 
miles from this place), where it was supposed, from the information we had 
received, the enemy, in number from 1,500 to 2,000, would receive our troops, 
and make a powerful resistance. On my nearing the fort, this information was 
confirmed, and we saw it perfectly full of Persian soldiers, who were drawn up 
ready for the attack. At this moment 1 was about 1,700 yards from them 
when we commenced firing shell, many dropping within the trenches and com- 
mitting much slaughter, which obliged the Persian troops to fly, with the excep- 
tion of about 800, who made a resolute stand, and were driven out by the troops 
in one of the most brilliant and gallant charges I ever witnessed. Here the troops 
halted for the night. I then pushed on for this roadstead, and at daylight this 
morning, seeing the Persian army drawn up near the wells (their centre support- 
ed by a high fortified tower and redoubt), it was my duty to dislodge them ; 
and for this service I ordered the vessels named in the margin under the eora- 
FalMand, sloop mand of Lieutenants Tronson, Worsley, Chitfcy, and 

Adjaha, steam frigate. Giles, and eight heavy-armed gun boats under Lieu- 
Mremce. tenant S trad ling, to place their ships in position to 

. 10 orMy s eam 8 °° r * attack it. This was done in a most gallant way, 

and in the course of an hour I had the satisfaction to see the whole of the Per- 
sian troops in full retreat to the town, but in perfect order and with great cool- 
ness, supported by their artillery. A boat, with a white flag, was now seen 
approaching the ship, and, on one of the chiefs arriving on board, a request was 








and the embrasure in which a gun was mounted; as well as the lower part of 
the wall. The fire from their batteries at this time gradually slackened, and 
at this moment the flagstaff in the town was hauled down in token of submis- 
sion, and the place surrendered. 

The army was by this time close to the town, and it was a source of the 
greatest pleasure to me to feel that we had cleared away every obstacle that pre- 
sented itself on their onward march, the more so as they had lost so many gal- 
lant fellows the day before when storming the fort of Rashir. 

The ships of the fleet have suffered considerably in their hulls, masts, and 
rigging from the fire of the enemy's guns ; the Semiramis and Feroze 
have some shot through them, but nothing to prevent all being ready for sea 
in a day or two. I am most happy to add that no person has been touched, nor 
has any casualty occurred during the four hours and a half we were under fire. 

How this has happened is miraculous, for the grape shot which fell at every 
instant around and abreast the gun-boats and the round shot over and about 
our ships was very severe, and proved that our enemy was more formidable 
than they were supposed to be even by those who had known the town years 
before, there being 59 guns mounted on the batteries. 

It now becomes a pleasing part of my duty to bring to the notice of your 
Lordship in Council the very great assistance I have received from Commodore 
Ethersey (who met me off the island of Kishm, and from his knowledge of 
this place gave me much valuable information) ; Captains Jenkins and Young, 
Commanders Macdonald (in charge of all the Transports) and Rennie, and Act- 
ing Commanders Poulerton and Adams, the latter the captain of this ship, the 
officers, petty officers, and seamen of the fleet under my command; nor can I 
ever forget their gallant conduct in this day's battle, or their cheerfulness and 
activity in carrying out my orders, and in moving their ships into position 
abreast of the batteries, and I am sure the Government will think with me that 
this was no easy task to perform, for most of the vessels drew from 15 to 16 
feet of water and we had to take them at high water, some way through soft 
mud, to get near enough to the forts, and this under a heavy fire. 

Where all have so ably and gallantly performed their duty, it is difficult 
to particularise individuals, but I desire to express my warm thanks to Captain 
Griffith Jenkins, the first captain of this ship, for the very great assistance he 
has afforded me throughout the whole of the operations, and particularly during 
the action. He was the first officer, assisted by Major Hill of the Engineers and 
Lieutenant Clerkson, the first Lieutenant of my flag ship, to enter the town 
and hoist the British flag. 

I trust, . my Lord, it will not be taking too much upon myself to express 
my admiration of General Stalker and. his- brave army, the more so as I have 
had the honor of being associated with them for many weeks, and have been an 
eye-witness of all their proceedings from the day of landing, as well as on their 
advance to the town. In doing so, I offer the humble tribute of a British Ad- 
miral to the brave General, bis officers, and soldiers, whose dashing conduct 
•on the day of storming the fort of Rashir can never be forgotten. ' ' 

I cannot deny myself the satisfaction of bringing to the notice of your 
Precursor, Lordship in Council the excellent manner in which the 

Poitinger, commanders and officers and crews of the Peninsular 

Ckusan. * and Oriental Company's ships named in the margin 

Sir M™ etjee Jejee ' liave conducted their ships during the time they have 
been with the fleet. They are at all times ready for 
any hard work, and have rendered me very essential service, and X beg to 
express my sincere thanks to them collectively and individually. 


■sea 
/nor: . 


Precursor 

Poltmger, 

'■'Qkumn. 

Sir Jamsetjee Jejee* 
■ bhoy. 










f;ff f ;?■ 1 ‘ | | 


llllSlSllP®®; !«:«, | 


landing the force on the following morning, when it was effected in admirable 
order, though not unobserved by the enemy, small parties of whom were driven 
* Commanded by Lieu- from their lurking places in the date groves by the 
tenant Worsley. fire of the gunboats and well directed shot from the 

steam frigate Ajdaha* 

Shortly after noon the force was enabled to advance from the beach, and 
take up an extended front before the enemy, seen at intervals watching our 
movements, a few miles in advance. Great difficulties, however, had to be con- 
tended with in landing the cavalry horses and artillery equipage, from a pau- 
city of native boats, which I had failed in procuring from the Arab coasts owing 
to the impracticability of dealing with the people in moments of emergency 
and need. These difficulties were, however, readily surmounted by the skill and 
activity of the India Naval officers and men, whose exertions on this occasion 
merit the highest praise. These exertions were fully appreciated by their asso- 
ciates in arms, not less active in their endeavours to get at the enemy with 
the least possible delay. 

Forty-eight hours sufficed to put the troops in motion northward, the sliips- 
of-war, led by the Admiral, advancing along the coast to their support. This 
was on the morning of the 9th, and by noon the enemy were observed to be in 
some force in the village of Rashir. Here, amid the ruins of old houses, garden- 
walls, and steep ravines, they occupied a formidable position. But, notwith- 
standing their firmness, wall after wall was surmounted, and finally they were 
driven from their last defence (the old fort of Raslur) bordering on the cliffs 
at the margin of the sea. This was carried at the point of the bayonet, the enemy 
only then flying in despair down the cliffs, where many met their death in 
their endeavours to escape through the ravines of the south. The nature of the 
ground, however, rendered pursuit difficult to the horse, though many were cut 
up in a chase of some distance. Details of this spirited affair will be given by 
the proper officers. I shall, therefore, merely observe that the enemy received 
at first a lesson he will not readily forget, for the tribal families of Dashti and 
Tangistan comprising its ranks are regarded as the most brave as well as the 
most skilled in the defence of posts like Rashit*, where regular troops cannot 
work with full effect. Brigadier Stopford, c.B., met his death here, and other 

loss was experienced. The wounded were received into the ships the same 

evening, and provisions were thrown into the camp from seaward during tbe . •• 
night. 

It had been agreed upon that I should proceed in person to the town of 
Bush ire in a small steamer with a flag of truce, bearing the accompanying copy 
of a summons to surrender, with the terms offered to the garrison. While the 
above was exacting, I proceeded on this errand with the humane object also of 
receiving such of the merchants and townspeople as might be desirous of shel- 
ter in the fleet. This was quite in accordance with the wishes of the Govern- 
ment of India in regard to the inhabitants of Bushire ; and the Major-General, 
the Admiral, and myself were induced to believe that my presence near them 
might tend to avert much bloodshed. In this, however, we were disappointed, 
for on passing through the intricate channel leading to the town, two bat- 
teries, at a distance of 500 yards, opened upon the Assyria bearing the flag of 
truce, in defiance of all usage of war. Deeming it might be a mistake, I caused 
the vessel to stop; but a second and a third shot passing close to us, I was 
compelled to retrace my steps, and even then two more guns were discharged. I 
could scarcely account for this conduct, having taken some pains to explain the 
meaning of a flag of truce in the event of warfare before quitting the town ; 


if 



— 


— — ■ 

■I . 






-it;:. 


m 


■tot while relating the circumstance to Rear-Admiral Sir Henry Leeke, a flag of 
truce from the shore was reported, and the bearer (Mirza Ismail, Collector of 
Customs in the town) came off with a written apology f rom the governor, who, 
with the chief officers of the garrison, were stated to have been outside of the 
walls examining into the condition of the exterior defences at the time : every 
regret was expressed ; the act was attributed to the ignorance of an artillery- 
man, with hopes that it would be overlooked. To this the Admiral and self 
replied that, so far as we were personally concerned, we were willing to credit the 
statements of the governor and accept the apology, though the act itself, in 
whatever way originating, must stigmatise the Persian Government and its 
officers in the eyes of all civilized states. Mirza Ismail returned with a sum- 
mons to the shore. 

While this was going on, a note from the Major-General commanding 
announced his intention of advancing on the town the following morning, and 
the Admiral disposed his fleet in order of battle for first dismantling the new- 
ly-erected outworks, and then moving with the view to breaching the south 
wall of the town. The following morning, as the tide served, the ships were 
in the positions assigned them. A second flag of truce had come off, begging 
24 hours delay; but this was promptly rejected, and at 8 o'clock tbe signal 
was hoisted to engage. Shot and shell were aimed at the redoubt south 
of the town, but with little effect, owing to the great range, though even- 
tually the enemy, assembled there to oppose the troops, were dislodged, and 
beat a retreat with their guns into the town. The ships in the meantime had 
moved upon the town, and such was the ardour displayed to get close into the 
works, that every ship was laid aground at the turn of high water, and for 
four hours continued to cannonade the defences, which were" active in replying 
the whole time. Many of their guns, however, were not of sufficient calibre 
to reach the ships; but the perseverance of the Persian gunners in firing from 
the more heavy pieces was admired by every one. Their shot told very 
often on the hulls of the Victoria ,. Falkland , Semiramis , and Feroze y which 
latter vessels, under Captain John Young and Commander James Rennie (if 
comparisons are admissible where all exerted themselves alike), had the posts of 
honor for the day. Details of the affair, it is unnecessary for me to enter upon. 
It will suffice for me to report that some of the guns being silenced on the 
approach of tbe army under Major-General Stalker, C.B., to breach the wall on 
the gate side before assault, the Persian flagstaff was felled in token of sub- 
mission. This was at noon. The Persian flag has since been recovered by 
myself, and presented as a joint trophy to the chiefs conducting the combined 
operations in this expedition, who, with every officer and men in it, whether 
soldier or sailor, have certainly won for themselves an honorable name. 

After surrender, some little hesitation was shown on the part of the gover- 
nor and garrison to come out of the town. An assuring note, coupled with 
the threat of an assault in half an hour, was, however, sent in by a freed cap- 
tive, and on the expiration of the time that officer was seen issuing with his 
suite from the gate. I moved forward with a party to receive and conduct 
him to head -quarters, where, after tendering his sword, he met with a graci- 
ous reception from the Major-General and Rear-Admiral Commanding the 
Forces. Shortly afterwards, the Sarhang, or Lieutenant-Colonel and Com- 
mandant, submitted, the entire garrison at the same time laying down their 
arms on my proceeding into the town with assurances of safety from the Ma- 
jor-General Commanding-in-Ohief. The British colors were then hoisted at 
4-30 p, M. on the Residency flagstaff by Lieutenant Clarkson of the Indian 







Navy, 

place. 


71 . - ■■ . 

jy, the troops under orders to garrison the town moving at sunset into th*» 
Since the occupation, I have been engaged with my assistant, Lieutenant 


Disbrowe, in giving confidence to the townspeople, securing the magazines, ■ 
granaries, and other public stores, endeavouring to re-open the bazars, and in 
adopting measures for the public safety, as well as in taking steps for obtain- : 
Ing supplies. Owing to the distrust naturally prevailing amongst suspicious 
people quite new to us, and generally ignorant as to our usages and institu- 
tions, we have some difficulty to contend with. Time, however, will aid to dis- 
pel fears, to restore confidence, and eventually, I hope, secure to us all we re- 
quire. I must not conceal, however, that our chief local supplies of fresh mea% 



if 

pn ' 


— ■ 


grain, &e., must be drawn from Bassorah and Baghdad, and boats are not. read- 
ily procurable. A large quantity of coal should therefore be stored, both here 
and at Bassorah, for the use of steamers, those of small size being best adapted 
for this service. They should not fail us, for in any case, to ensure cattle living, 
the voyage should be shortened as much as possible by their taking boats in town. 

No intelligence of any kind has come in from the interior; but I may be 
able to glean some in a few days. All is, however, quiet in the town and dis- 
tricts at the present time. See rough sketch No . 4 and page 106 . 




No. 219, dated Bombay, January 1857. 

From— The Adjutant-General, Bombay Army, 

To— The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

I have had the honor of submitting to the Cornmaoder-in-Chief your 
despatch, dated Bush ire, 12th December 1856, No, 17, with its several accom- 
paniments, and in reply am instructed to acquaint you that His Excellency has 
perused with the highest pleasure and satisfaction the report of the success- 
ful termination of the operations before that place. 

2. It has been a source of the greatest satisfaction to the Commander-m- 
Chief to observe the admirable spirit which has animated the soldiers of this 
expedition during the embarkation and the long voyage to Bushire. ; : 

6. This has been displayed in a remarkable manner by the native troops, 
©specially artillery, cavalry, and infantry, to whom a sea voyage is replete with 
prejudices, both personal and religious. Jn no one instance that the Command- 
er-in-Chief is aware of has a word of dissatisfaction been heard. All this is 
highly creditable to the troops, and their excellent discipline and organization 
led to the very successful operations reported by you. 

4. From the landing at Hall la Bayou the 7 th till the surrender of Bu- 
shire on the afternoon of the 10th your arrangements have been as judicious as 
successful, and the Commander-in-Chief most heartily congratulates you and 
the officers and soldiers under your command upon the brilliant result of the 
storm of the fort of Rashir, on the subsequent capitulation of the place against 
which your operations were directed, with the surrender as prisoners of war of 
the governor, the commander of the troops, and a large portion of the garri- 
son of Bushire. 

5, It was not to he supposed that active warfare can be made without 
loss. Brigadier Stopford, Lieutenant-Colonel Malet, Lieutenants Warren and 
Utterson have fallen on the field of battle in front of their men leading them to 
victory; and, however much we may mourn the loss of the two first men- 
tioned highly distinguished officers, and the latter no less gallant young sol- 
diers, there is nothing to lament in their death, as they have died for their 
queen and country. 


i 



NS'4 



L B.. September 1888, 
Exd. J. A u A. 



nr* 


tut wll 
truce £ 
Custoir 
with t£ 
walls & 
regret 
man, w 
replied 
&tatem< 
whatevi 
officers 
mons t< 

Wh 
announj 
the Ad 
ly-ereet 
wall of 
In the | 
24 hou 
was ho. 
of the 
tually t 
beat a i 
moved j 
works, 1 
four hdf 
the whc 
to reach 
the moj 
often o: 
latter v< 
com pari 
honor £< 
It will £ 
approac! 
the gat« 
mission, 
myself, 
operatic 
soldier c 

Afte 
nor and 
the thrc 
tive, an( 
suite frc 
him to 
ous rece 
Forces, 
mandant 
arms on 
jor-Gene 
4-30 p. m 


OWN 


The on two 
washed awa; 
are rebnildiu’ 


I. B.. Septee 
Eatd. J. , 






71 . ' 1 

Navy, the troops under orders to garrison the town moving at sunset into the* 
place. ■ 

Since the occupation, I have been engaged with my assistant, Lieutenant ] 

Disbrowe, in giving confidence to the townspeople, securing the magazines, ] 

granaries, and other public stores, endeavouring to re-open the bazars, and in j 

adopting measures for the public safety, as well as in taking steps for obtain- 
ing supplies. Owing to the distrust naturally prevailing amongst suspicious j 

people quite new to us, and generally ignorant as to our usages and institu- i 

lions, we have some difficulty to contend with. Time, however, will aid to dis- | 

pel fears, to restore confidence, and eventually, I hope, secure to us all we re- * 3 

quire. I must not conceal, however, that our chief local supplies of fresh meat, | 

grain, &e., must be drawn from Bassorah and Baghdad, and boats are not read- ] 

ily procurable. A large quantity of coal should therefore be stored, both here ] 

and at Bassorah, for the use of steamers, those of small size being bestadapted ■ ] 

for this service. They should no t fail us, for in any case, to ensure cattle living, \ 

the voyage should be shortened as much as possible by their taking boats in town. j 

No intelligence of any kind has come in from the interior; but I may be j 

able to glean some in a few days. All is, however, quiet in the town and dis- J 

tricts at the present time. See rough sketch No . 4 and page 106 . 


No. 219, dated Bombay, January 1857. 

From — The Adjutant-General, Bombay Army, 

To— The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

1 have had the honor of submitting to the Cornmander-in-Chief your 
despatch, dated Bush ire, 12th December 1856, No, 17, with its several accom- 
paniments, and in reply am instructed to acquaint you that His Excellency has 
perused with the highest pleasure and satisfaction the report of the success- 
ful termination of the operations before that place. 

2. It has been a source of the greatest satisfaction to the Commander-in- 
Chief to observe the admirable spirit which has animated the soldiers of this 
expedition during the embarkation and the long voyage to Bushire. 

5. This has been displayed in a remarkable manner by the native troops, 
especially artillery, cavalry, and infantry, to whom a sea voyage is replete with 
prejudices, both personal and religious. In no one instance that the Command- 
er-in-Chief is aware of has a word of dissatisfaction been heard. All this is 
highly creditable to the troops, and their excellent discipline and organization 
led to the very successful operations reported by you. 

> 4. From the landing at Halila Bay on the 7th till the surrender of Bu- 
shire on the afternoon of the lOtli your arrangements have been as judicious as 
successful, and the Commander-in-Chief most heartily congratulates you and 
the officers and soldiers under your command upon the brilliant result of the 
storm of the fort of Bashir, on the subsequent capitulation of the place against 
which your operations were directed, with the Surrender as prisoners of war of 
the governor, the commander of the troops, and a large portion of the garri- 
son of Bushire, 

5. It was not to be supposed that active warfare can be made without 
loss. Brigadier Stopford, Lieutenant-Colonel Malet, Lieutenants Warren and 
XJtterson have fallen on the held of battle in front of their men leading them to 
victory ; and, however much we may mourn the loss of the two first men- 
tioned highly distinguished officers, and the latter no less gallant young sol- 
diers, there is nothing to lament in their death, as they have died for their 
queen and country. 




72 










HkJ 


6. The report made by Major Hill, Commanding Engineer, of the move- 
ment of the division is most complete and satisfactory, and I am to request yon 
will convey to that excellent and efficient officer His Excellency’s thanks for 
the same. 

7. The Commander-in-Chief leaves it to superior authority to notice, in 
such manner as their gallant conduct deserves, the officers whose names you 
have prominently mentioned in your despatch; but the special thanks of the 
Commander-in-Chief are due to one and all, soldiers as well as officers, for 
their gallantry in the field and patient endurance of much privation and 
exposure. 

8. His Excellency’s sentiments as above expressed yon will be pleased to 

make known to the division under your command in such manner as you may 
deem most appropriate, and at the same time yourself accept the hearty con- 
gratulations of the Commander-in-Chief on your signal and complete success 
in the operations entrusted to your direction. 

Field Force Orders, dated “ Semiramis," 27th January 1857. 

1. Lieutenant-General Outram, on assuming the command of the Expedi- 

tionary Force, has much gratification in promulgating the very just-merited 
acknowledgment of the Governor-General of India in Council of the great ser- 
vice achieved by Major-General Stalker and the troops under his command in the 
captuie of Bushire, and especially of the gallant conduct in the action at Bashir 
•which led to the surrender of the city. ’ 

The thanks and acknowledgments of the Governor in Council, Bombay, 
have already been communicated, and the Lieutenant-General trusts those of 
our Gracious Queen will soon follow. 

2. The Lieutenant-General hits great pleasure in announcing to the troops 
at Bushire that Major-General Stalker will continue to command them as now 
constituting the 1st Division of the augmented expeditionary army, and he 
begs to thank that officer for the praiseworthy zeal for the public interest which 
induced him to afford the .Lieutenant-General the aid of his valuable services 
by retaining the command of the troops he has heretofore so ably led. 

Dated “ Assaye," Bombay, 29th December 1856. 

Despatch from-REAE-ArariBAL Sie H. Lebkb, k.k., e.n., Cowmandinff Naval 
J'orce, Persian Gulf Expedition, 

To — His Excellency the Governor of Bombay. 

* * * * # 

The provision and ammunition vessels had been taken into the inner 
roads ; tlie hospital ship into an airy and healthy locality. Gunboats and a 
small steamer were placed m the creek to support the right wing of the army 

Position at Bushire. 1“ case of f n , attaek 1 ' rom a lar ge number of Persian 
. troops, winch may be expected, as many thousands 
are collecting in the neighbourhood. 

The General, his officers, and men were all in high spirits and healthy • and 
on paying a visit to the General and the army the day before I left Bushire 
it would have appeared to me, if I had not known to the contrary, that "they 
had been located m the neighbourhood for months, instead of a week so 
cheerful and contented did everybody seem. ’ 

General Stalker placed the services of his Chief Engineer, Major Hill 
an officer of great talent, at my disposal, and with my Flag Captain f JenkinsV 
I surveyed the creek at the back of the town, and ascertained that by 



lightening a small vessel (CUre 7 14 gun sloop), and heaving her upon her 
broadside to a large baglah, I could haul her over the shallows, where 
there is only 7 feet water, and by replacing her guns and stores she would be 
enabled to ride in 4 fathoms water within 30 yards of the bank and about 
250 yards from the right wing of the army in such a position (assisted by 
a small steamer and light gun-boats, each carrying two 21-pr. howitzers) as 
would keep off any number of troops that could be brought against them* ! 

1 have also directed one or two of my heavy steamers Feroze and 
Victoria to be placed on the south side on the left wing of the army ; 
and as the neck of land is not more than 1J miles across, I feel that the 
army is so powerfully supported on both sides, that an attack from half the 
troops of Persia would have but little effect. 

I left the anchorage at Bushire on the evening of the 16th instant, and in 
hauling in towards Lingah, a small fortified town belonging to an Arab tribe, 
and under the dominion of the Shah of Persia, I received information of an 
army of 5,000 Persian troops being in 
Mustafi Kuli Khan, Amfr-i-Panj, on 
shore, and at noon of the 19th instanl 
groves, on a commanding situation, at 
artiller 


it* front, and between them and 
id way. I liauietf close inland anchored this ship with 
in 34 fathoms wafer, about 1,200 yards from them, and 
hieh they instantly returned with a steady fire; the 
troops drawn up in line ; their tents in the rear. A 
spirited fire was kept up on both sides for about 35 
uns being silenced, the Persian army retreated in great 
r tents, guns, and killed and wounded behind, the shot 
ip following them, and cutting off a great many men, 

1 destroying their camp equipage. I gave them a parting 

. , , —g gained my object of making them change their ground, 

I got under weigh and stood for the anchorage at Basidu. 

Before leaving Basidu, reports were current that a part of the Persian army 
meditated an attack upon the naval station there, and which from its isolated 
and unprotected state is not improbable. 1 therefore ordered the marines of the 
fleet to be landed, eighty in number, and to be encamped outside the town; and 

Position at Basidu. at tlie e( % e tiie plateau I have directed two small 
breastworks to be thrown up, and two 98-pr. guns from 
the Punjab to be landed and placed in them. The Constance (schooner), mount- 
* n § 011 pivot a 32-pr. and two 21-pr. howitzers, was to go to the narrow 
part of the channel by Luft, and prevent all communication between the main 
land and the island, and the Punjab to take up in such a position as to be 
able to enfilade the whole valley below the rising ground, I have formed the 
marines into two divisions, appointing the senior bavildar (a man of excellent 
character) to act as a native officer, and an acting Lieutenant to command the 
whole party on shore, all under the orders of Acting Commander Foulerton 
of the Punjab. Thus I trust that no army will attempt to burn our useful 
station, nor wilithe}^ dare to make any attack without being certain of a repulse. 

It was arranged by General Stalker and myself that the three chief pris- 
oners taken at Bushire, viz., Mirza Hassan All Khan, Daria Beg (Lord 
Melitar. Governor of Bushire ; Mehtar Khan, 

late Commandant of Troops and Garrison ; and Mirza 
Muhammad Raza, late Minister for Foreign Affairs, should be conveyed to 
Bombay. They were accordingly received from the shore on board this ship 


n 


the day after they liad surrendered to the united forces, and I have now the 
honor to await the orders of your Lordship in Council as to their disposal. 

The late Governor, Mirza Hassan All Khan, is of a high and celebrated 
Persian family. His late grandfather, Hajf Mirza All Akbar, Grand Wazir of 
Persia, and father, who were always friendly towards the English nation, were 
favorites of the Shah, and I am told that both the father and son were 
extremely averse to the war. 

The son has certainly inherited any good qualities his father may have 
had : he is not only fond of the English, but has never lost an opportunity of 
doing them a kindness. He is a most amiable and excellent character, and 
during the time be and his brother captives have been on board the Assaye, 
they have gained the esteem and kind feeling of every one belonging to her.' 

In making these arrangements, and throughout the arduous and anxious 
service upon which I have been employed since our departure from Bombay 
on 13th November, I have been seconded by the captains, officers, and seamen 
of the Indian Navy in a way which redounds to their credit and to the honor 
of the British flag. 


! 

' 


iiil! 







Despatch from Major-General F. Stalker, c.b., Commanding Persian Expeditionary 
Field Force, to the Quarter Master General, Bombay Army, —dated Bush ire, 20th 
December 1856. 

Reports that the force is now permanently encamped near the redoubt and 

wells, at about II miles distance from the gates of 
Permanent position be- Bushire. 
fore Bushire. 

That the camp is formed on a sandy undulating plain in the form of 
three sides of a square, with the sea about miles to the rear. 

That the water generally is very good and plentiful, and after a week's 
trial the troops have not suffered from the use of it. 

That the weather is very delightful ; the days moderate, but the nights very 
cold with heavy dews, and that the tents have been pitelied for some days, 
although every particle of jgamp equipage and baggage had to be brought up 
from the beach, a distance of 2 miles, by working parties, only a few donkeys 
being procurable in the shape of carriage. 

States that to secure the safety of the position, he has established two 
cavalry posts at about 2 miles south of the camp — one to watch the ground 
and patrol from near Rashir in the direction of Halfla Bay, and across eastward ; 
the other to observe the Shiraz road, and the country to its right in the 
direction of Halila also. Large parties of the cavalry patrol the country 
constantly, so that no one can approach the camp without timely intimation 
being given. The sloop Clive and two gunboats are to be anchored in the 
creek, and will command the low ground in the neighbourhood of the town, 
as well as the whole land face of the works. The 20th Regiment Native In- 
fantry is stationed in the town. 

Intimates that the engineers are now commencing a deep trench, which 
will cross the rear, and altogether prevent the passage of horsemen; the other 
three faces will also be entrenched and strengthened, and with these precau- 
tions it is considered the enemy will be unable to attempt a sudden surprise. 

States that from reports sent in, it is gathered that the chiefs of tribes 
in the neighbourhood are inclined to be friendly, and, 
Neighbourhood friendly, nn \ eBB CO erced by the Government, will not interfere 


with the force ; and that there are some regular troops at Firuzabad, but it is 
thought they cannot advance unless they persuade the tribes to act with them 
— a most unlikely occurrence. 

With regard to future movements, remarks that there are two points on 
which an advance may be made — the one by Mu ham - 
Ope rations. marah and the Karun river as far as Shustar ; the other 

on Shiraz ; and for either of these movements large reinforcements will be 
necessary. 

States that the route as far as Shustar appears to be practicable enough, 
if a flotilla of small steamers and boats ehn accompany the army in its inarch 
along the Karun ; hut that beyond Sliustar the difficulties are said to be very 
great. The routes to Shiraz are said to be very difficult, particularly that by 
Kazran and the Kotalri-Mulla; the other by Firuzabad is believed to be much 
more practicable ; but nothing certain has been ascertained. 

Requests that 500 more cavalry may be placed at his disposal in order to 
reconnoitre these routes, and suggests that these be 

ma de U P of the remainder of the 3rd Light Cavalry 
and transport required. ^ ^ Qr 25Q o£ the Southern Malmtfca Hor/e 

under Major Malcolm. Suggests that as the horse transports are returning to 
* Bombay, these reinforcements should he sent by them : provisions must also 

he sent for them, none being obtainable in the country. In conclusion, states 
that the greatest obstacle to an advance into the interior will be the want of 
carriage, and therefore recommends that the Land Transport Corps should be 
sent up to join the army. 









From Major-General F. Stalker, c.b , Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field 
Force, to the Quarter Master General, Bombay Army, — No. 41, dated Bushire, 28tk 
December 1856. 

Reports that he has received a good deal of information from the interior 
„ , • , regarding the movements of the enemy, the sense of 

overaen so e enemy. J s t} ia k f rom 3^000 to 10,000 regular troops 

about, 2,000 irregular cavalry, and 20 guns are now in movement towards Bu- 
shire under the Ilkhani, who has been joined by the Shuja-ul-Mulk ; and that 
another large body is moving on Shiraz, either to support or to join the above. 

Requests, therefore, that the Commander-in-Chief will despatch a small 
reinforcement, consisting of a regiment of European and a regiment of 
Native infantry, with a hundred foot artillery, as an entire regiment has to 
be kept in the fort at Bushire, and the wet weather may affect the health of 
the troops, in which case the force would be seriously crippled. 

Remarks that the tribes between Bushire and Firuzabad profess friend- 
Friendly tribes. ship, and have been sending in supplies; but that it is 
Fora S e * doubtful what effect the advance of an army from 

Shiraz might have on them, and that supplies are abundant so far, with the 
exception of forage. Intimates that he has been obliged to reduce the camp 
a good deal to curtail the entrenchments, and to lessen the night duties; and 
reports having carried out an armed reconnaissance as far as TeiLa-Sya, about 
18 miles on the Firuzabad road. The country was found to be an open plain as 
far as Ahram ; the road good, with good water, and the villagers very friendly. 
Another party will be sent to Borasjan, as soon as it can be done conveniently, 
to seize a good depot of grain prepared there. 

Adds that there is a great want of sweepers in 
weepeis require . the camp # and requests that one hundred men may be 
sent up at once. 



mam .• . ;i j 


76 

From the Adjutant General, Bombay Army, to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, 
Secret Department, — No. 7158, dated 30th December 1856. 

Consequent on the death of Brigadier Sfcopford, C.B., Commanding 1st In- 
fantry Brigade, Persian Force, conveys the Commander-in-ChieFs recommend- 
ation that Brigadier N. Wilson, k.h., of Her Majesty^s 64th Regiment of 
Foot, at present in temporary command of the Northern Division, may be 
directed to hand over charge and proceed forthwith as General Stopford's suc- 
cessor. 


Dated Bush ire, 22nd January 1857. 

Beport by Lieutenant Ballabd, Superintendent, Intelligence Department. 

Since 15th January the following changes have taken place : 

The Irregular Infantry (TufangcMs) of the Iliyafc tribes, which were 
assembled under orders of the llkham, have been disbanded, partly to econo- 
mise provisions, and partly owing to the bad understanding which exists 
between the llkham and the Shuja-uI-MuIk, who at present commands the 
Persian force. 

The enemy have surrounded their camp with a ditch and parapet of small 
profile, and placed branches of the kuhrtdr , or wild plum tree, on the top of the 
parapet. There is no water inside the field work, and it is consequently of 
no use except to guard against a night surprise. The rain which has lately 
fallen will cause grass to sprout over the plains, and enable the cavalry, who 
have been suffering from want of forage, to keep together longer than wap 
anticipated. 

It was mentioned in the previous report that Sulaiman Khan Afshar, 
Anur-i-Panj (Major-General), with 500 horse, was expected at Shiraz. He 
arrived there the Beginning of this month, bringing in addition the Ikhlas 
regiment of infantry, composed chiefly of Afsharis. 

His Royal Highness Tahmasp Mirza, Prince Governor of Shiraz, left 
Shiraz on the 11th. He was at Kazran on the 16th, and expected to reach 
Boras jan about this time. Sulaiman Khan, with his horse, accompanied the 
Prince : the former is said to he an officer of considerable ability. 

The Ikhlas regiment left Shiraz on the 11th, together with 4 guns, the 
whole under All Khan, Sartip, and overtook two regiments (Karaguslus) 
at Firuzabad. They are now between Firuzabad and iiorasjau, but at what 
station is not known. 

The late rains, by swelling the mountain torrents, would considerably Imu 
pede their march, as the route is crossed in many places by streams and nul- 
lahs. 

Hussain Khan of Dashti, a territory 50 miles from Bushire, has assem- 
bled a thousand irregulars (chiefly infantry) at Kaki in Dashti, but is very 
unwilling to join the camp until he can be guaranteed safety from the hands 
of the llkham, with whom he has an old quarrel. 

Mustafx Kuli Khan, Amir-i-Panj, is collecting irregulars at Lar, a town 
ten marches south of Bushire, through a difficult and barren country. 

There are two regiments in Luristan which have been ordered up to Boras- 
jan ; but it is not probable they will be spared, as the district has lately been 
in a disturbed state. 

The late agent for the British Government at Shiraz, now living in Bu- 
jphire, lias reported to Captain Jones, Resident, Persian Gulf, that 13,000 mep. 






Summary of ^Persian Forces, 


Regulars. 

Irregulars. 

Cavalry, 

Guns. 

3,800 

... 

1,300 

10 

2,000 


500 

4 

2,000 

150 

... 

5,800 

2,000 

1,950 

14 


At Borasjan , ••• ." 

Expected daily from Shiraz ... 
Expected from Bihbahan and Dashtl 


or 9,750 of all arms and 14 guns. 

No. 88, dated Bushire, 23rd January 1857. 

prom — M ajor-General 1. Stalkbb, o.b., Commanding Persian Expeditionary 
Field Force, 

To — The Quarter Master General, Bombay Army. 

Reports as follows : , ■ , , .... 

The enemy is still at Borasjan, and is, I believe, entrenching his camp y 
but I do not learn that he is fortifying 1 the pass behind linn. 1 he Prince ot 
Shiraz is expected to join the camp about this time with two or three more 
reo-iments of regular infantry, and, it is said, ten guns. 
Enemy’s movements. w £j c h num b e r, however, I have little doubt is exag- 

ger^ed. Amfr _._p an j ig alg0 on march up from Singar with about 1,200 

men and six guns. , T i * 

The whole are expected to unite, and report says we are to be attacked 

about the 26th instant. . . , T , . 

As this threat has been held over us ever since our arrival, I do not 
place much credit in it. I am inclined to think, however, that an attack on our 
camp mi°ht save both our enemy and ourselves a good deal of future annoy- 
ance and'trouble, as, if he once attempted it, it is to be hoped the reception he 
would meet with would induce him to withdraw into the hills, and that he 
would not venture to face our troops again. 

The tribes are, I understand, leaving the enemy s camp, and show very 
little inclination to fight ; indeed, I feel sure that they 
■Tribes friendly. would willingly help us if we could ensure them pro- 

t6Ct Sh James Outram has not yet arrived, hut I am in hourly expectation of 

There has been a good deal of rain during the last week, hut not enough 
to inconvenience us at all ; indeed, we are much in want of more. 

' There is no sickness among the troops. Agreeably to the suggestions of the 

Superintending Surgeon, I have been endeavouring to 

Troops healthy. a g 00( j s j fce this place whereon to erect the field 

hospital in the event of our moving on. . ., , . 

The site has not yet been decided on, hut I intend having hospitals for 
800 men erected here immediately as a sick dep6t for our rear. 

I have no intelligence yet regarding our carnage, and have procured none 
here to speak of. 1 am anxiously looking for the arrival of the Land irans- 
1 port Corps officers. A party of officers a few days 

No transport, since examined the landing place at Skif, about 8 

miles north-east of Bushire, beyond Shaikh Sa’ad. The beach is easily ap- 
proached at high water, and for any operations against the Borasjan force 
when our reinforcements arrive, we could easily land our infantry at Shait 
from the small steamers, whence they would have only 24 miles to march 
to Borasjan. 


.y; 

if III; |||: / 


;y|y ; :;.;■ ■ y ;'^^ 5 ;y : '|y-WS^|^s|| y- |jjjgjj| | jjj | .■ ■-yi^-;* j| 

From Majob-Genebal F. Stalbeb, o.b., Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

to the Quarter Master General, Bombay Army, — No. 105, dated 26th January 1857, 

States that the Hugh Lindsay came in from Bassorah yesterday bringing' 
letters from the Vice-Consul there in reply to those directing him to collect 
Carriage. carriage. Mr. Taylor hopes to be able to procure large 

numbers of camels in six weeks* or two months* time, 
lie intends proceeding at once himself into the districts, and seems to anti- 
cipate no difficulty in purchasing cattle and camels. . / " , , r ; 

The enemy is still at Borasjan, The Prince has not yet joined. 

There have been some disputes between the chiefs and the leaders of the 
tribes, and I believe a number of the irregulars, both horse and foot, hare left 
the army. They are entrenching their camp, cutting down date trees for 
batteries, and placing their guns in position ; so that apparently their in- 
tention is to act on the defensive only. I believe them is a great scarcity of 
forage in their camp. 

Captain Selby reports from Bassorah that when he passed Muliammarah last 
week, the place was full of Sarbaz, but they did not attempt to interfere with 
Dispute] in enemy’s the passage of the steamer. Also that they have large 
stores of grain at Muhammarah, and that it is said 
they intend to block up the moutli of the Karun. 

Our supplies still continue to come in, and the 
tippies. native troops are free of the Commissariat; but 

grain is very dear, ■ ‘ 


Dated RusMre, 9th December 1856. 

Report from — Captain H. Willoughby, 2nd European Regiment Light Infantry, 
Commanding Advance Guard, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The Assistant Adjutant General, Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

Agreeably to Brigade Orders of yesterday's date, I proceeded with the ad- 
vance guard and marched at half past 7 a.m. towards fort Rashir, having sent 
out a skirmishing party of cavalry under Cornet Malcolmson to the front. 

About | of a mile from the fort, I was informed that it was held by 400 
of the enemy; and on coming in view at a distance of about 600 yards, I saw 
two faces lined with men, and othprs coming in from the direction of Bushire. 

I immediately ordered Captain Forbes to take the cavalry to the right, Lieu- 
tenant Gibbard to place the guns in position, put the infantry in skirmishing 
order between them, directing Captain Tyacke to occupy a village on the left, 
and sent a letter to General Stalker informing him of my position. 

Observing that a number of men were leaving the fort for a village in front of 
Captain Tyacke (and which I liad found occupied on my arrival), and assem- 
bling as if intending to attack him, I ordered Lieutenant Gibbard* s battery to 
open fire on a party of about 20 men, on which the whole of the enemy in the 
fort, and many who had remained concealed in the broken ground in my front 
within a distance of 150 yards, commenced firing, and finding that their shots 
were falling thick about us, severely wounding Sergeant Blossman and a gunner 
at their guns, I recalled Captain Tyacke to his former position. This was 
effected with the loss of one private killed and three privates severely wounded, 
a housekeeper and horse of 3rd Troop Horse Brigade were wounded, and a troop- 
er of the skirmishing party of the 3rd Light Cavalry was also severely wounded. 






80 


mmm 


■I 

mmm 




1—1 


On being reinforced by the head-quarters of the 3rd Light Cavalry, I was 

requested b/Major Hill, Commanding Engineer, to send a company to support 

1116 I therefore directed Lieutenant Ferguson to take No . 1 Company, remain- 
ino- myself with the advance guard, till I received Brigadier Honners orders 
fas he J passed me) to leave No. 10 Company to protect the wounded, when 
rode on and overtook some of the skirmishers as they 


jinn 0¥fTWuK ut uuw «?■»** j ^ 

storming the fort. I woe «nab!e to join Lwr.ten.nt t erpeon hot »n 


KrTSSoTC wi th. fort with moot of 

his men along with Her Majesty’s 04th Boot. 

Dated Camp Before Busluve, 1 2th December 1856. 


Keport from— Major Him., Commanding Engineers, Persian Expeditionary Field 
Force, 

To— The Adjutant General,- Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

Furnishes the following epitome of the operations of the force up to the 
date of theeapture of Busliire. From in formation afforded mein the most hand- 
some manner hy Commodore Etbersey, Captain Rennie, and other naval officers, 
1 was enabled to lay before the Major-General for his approval, while the force 
Was assembled at Kishm,a memorandum showing the manner in which I pro- 
posed that the operations against the fort of Buslure should be earned into exe- 
cution and in which my reasons are given for considering it inadvisable to 
land near the fort. Owing to the separation of the force on its departure from 
Kislim in consequence of some vessels being ordered to sail up to Bushire, while 
others were towed by steamers, it became necessary to make a second rendezvous 
before operations coitld be commenced, thus rendering a surprise impossible. 
This entailed an alteration in the plan of operations, which was again made 
out by Commodore Etliersey, yourself, Cap-jun Wray, and myself on the 
morning of Saturday, 6th instant, submitted to Major-General and approved by 

hlI1 A<meablv to the revised plan of operations, the fleet moved down to the bay 
of Ras Hall la on the 6th instant, and the landing was effected on the 7th 
instant at daylight. A body of the enemy bad assembled in the date trees near 
tlie shore to oppose us, but the fire of the gunboats drove them away and we 
were enabled to take up our position on the lett, resting on the village of Hahla, 

W1 ^The whotef of* Sunday, 7th, and Monday, 8th, were occupied in landing the 
troops, and it was not until the morning of Tuesday 9th, that the force was 
enabled to march on Ras Rashir, a distance of about o| miles from Halxla. 

On arriving at Ras Rashir, we found the Quarter Master General, who had 
Preceded the force with a strong party to mark out the encamping ground, 
hotly engaged with the enemy, who had taken up their position m a very 
strong old square fort adjoining the village ot Rashir, around which the ground 
was very strong and favorable for them to act against us I hey had dug long, 
deep, narrow pits along the summits of the ramparts of the fort, in which they 
hid themselves, so that neither our artillery nor that of the ships who fired into 
it from the seaside could do anything towards dislodging them, the Major- 
General therefore ordered the suburbs of the village to be cleared by our. 
skirmishers, which was done under cover of the fire of our artillery ; and the fort 
was carried in the most gallant manner at the poi nt of the bayonet, as the Ma jor- 
General witnessed j and the way in which the troops sealed the nearly precipi tous 


m 





sides of the fort, surrounded as it was by a rampart from 30 to 35 feet high 
from the bottom of the ditch, excited the admiration of all who witnessed it. It 
was only by the merest chance that a single man of the garrison escaped : as 
it was, they suffered severely. I regret time did not admit of my making a 
sketch of this fort and the surrounding ground ; but the fort was about 400 yards 
(front face) by 250 yards, with the rear face resting on the cliff overhanging 
the sea. The troops bivouacked for the night with their left somewhat in 
advance of the fort of Bushire. 

On the morning of the 10th instant, at 8 o’clock the force marched on Bushire, 
its left being covered by the men-of-war. As previously supposed, we found 
a strong body of the enemy occupying a strong redoubt and retrenchment about 

miles in front of Bushire, their left bugging their line of retreat towards the 
interior. The Major-General now ordered the troops to form up in line of battle ; 
and, while this was being done, the enemy, holding the redoubt and retrench- 
ments, commenced their retreat towards the interior, but our cavalry and horse 
artillery drove them almost all back again into the fort of Bushire. At this 
moment it became apparent to every one bow essentially necessary it was that 
the small steamers and gunboats should have forced their way up the creek and 
communicated with the right flank of the army, as it was arranged they should 
do prior to the landing of the force in Ras Halila Bay, and as I strongly 
recommended to the Major-General should be done after the capture of the 
fort of Ras Rashir on the 9th instant. 

The army having forced up, advanced in the most splendid manner to within 
J of a mile of the walls of Bushire, when it was observed that the men-of- 
war had driven the enemy out of the batteries outside the angle of the fort 
adjoining the Residency, and the sappers and miners, covered by the artillery 
(half a battery) and four companies of the 2nd Bombay European Regiment, 
advanced, and, having occupied the enemy’s position there, immediately com- 
menced constructing a battery and gabionade within 200 yards of the wallsof the 
fortress. This work was executed in the most expeditious manner under the 
superintendence of Captain Dickenson and Lieutenant Hancock of the Sappers 
and Miners and Lieutenant Playfair, Field Engineer, and the fact of their hav- 
ing in the short space of three hours thrown up works that would have resist- 
ed the heaviest fire that the enemy could have brought to bear on them, re- 
flects great credit on the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men employed ; 
but the enemy having surrendered, further operations became unnecessary. 

Had the gunboats forced the creek, as it was previously arranged they 
should (and Commodore Ethersey, Captain Rennie, and Lieutenant Giles of 
the Indian Navy assured me they could do so), not one of the enemy could 
have escaped. 

As it was, they got off in immense numbers across the creek in front of the 
house of the Governor of Bushire — a point which would have been completely 
commanded by the gunboats and small steamers. 

I have this morning examined the whole of the enemy’s defences in the 
fort, and ascertained that there would have been no difficulty whatever in fore-* 
ing the creek in the grey of the morning of the 10th instant, when the tide suit- 
ed admirably for it, the enemy’s defences along the creek being very imperfect, 
and the four guns bearing on it being so placed, that I do not think it possi- 
ble that each could have fired more than one round at the gunboats ; and from 
the elevated position they are placed in, and the immense charges of powder 
used for the guns in the fort, it is hardly to be supposed that they would have 
obtained a correct range the first shot. 


82 



Bated Camp before Bushire, 12th December 1856. 

Report from— Captain W. B. Dickinson, Commanding Sappers and Miners, 
Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To ; — Commanding Engineer, Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

I have the honor to report to you, in obedience to the instructions conveyed 
in yesterday's Field Force General Orders, the part that the Corps of Sappers 
and Miners under my command have taken in the operations which terminate*} 
with the fall of Bushire on 1st instant. 

Landing early on the morning of the 7th instant, the sappers joined the 
advance from the beach at Halfla Bay, and occupied the right of the infantry- 
in the encampment during the 7th and 8th, and marched in rear of HerMaj-r 
esfcy's 64th [Regiment in the advance on Ras Rashir on the 9th instant. When 
the 1st Brigade deployed and changed its front to the left in order to attack the 
redoubts, the .sappers, being on the right, were unable to get up in time to take 
part in the assault, and only just entered the fort before the firing ceased. 
Two sections of sappers with tools were, however, detached * one to accompany 
each field battery, and remain with the batteries during the assault. One man 
was here slightly wounded by a bullet, which was our offiy casualty. 

On the 10th, the sappers marched in front of the column, and occupied the 
right of the infantry after they formed line and advanced on the fort of 
Bushire. When the line halted, the sappers were called to the left to join 
the detachment marching on the deserted position of the enemy on the left, and 
were immediately employed in constructing a 2-gun battery and a gabionade 
110 feet long, about 200 yards in front of the face of the south-east bastion 
of the fort-, for future offensive operations, when the “ Union Jack/' dying 
from the flagstaff inside the fort, caused me to order the men, who were very 
tired, to suspend work. 


Dated 32th December 1856. 


Report from — Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Ramsay, Commanding 2nd European 
Regiment, Light Infantry, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

I have the honor to report, for the information of the Brigadier, that 
agreeably to orders received, I advanced the regiment under my command on 

j. t „1.1 ~ ndmrvnnmn ltarnn. in f rl Ow />r\\TOV flu» 


the old fort of Bashir, three companies being in extended order to cover the 
column, and charged the opening in front. All the officers and men of the 
regiment behaved with gallantry. 

I noticed Lieutenant W. Gillespie was the first to gain the opening. 


Dated 12th November 1856. 


Eeport from— Majob PI. R. Manson, Commanding 4th Rifles, Persian Ex- 
peditionary Field Force, 

To— The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 


1 have the honor to report that, on approaching Bashir with the rest of 
the brigade, I was directed to throw out six companies in skirmishing order 
to clear* the village in our front, and in support of the guns of Captain Gib- 
bard's battery. 

This duty was duly performed, and, after the place was vacated by the 
enemy, the regiment rejoined the brigade, and took up its position in the lino, 
pf bivouac. 



Bated 12 th December 1856. 

Report from — Captain L. S. Hough, Commanding 2nd Bilucli Regiment, Per- 
sian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

I have the honor to state that the 2nd Bilucli Regiment, though it was 
their first action, fully answered my expectations, and behaved admirably in the 
attack on fort Rashir on the 9th instant. On deploying into line on the left of 
the 2nd European Regiment Light Infantry, they advanced with an unbroken 
front to within 200 yards of the fort. Here they were necessarily a little 
broken in passing through the gardens with stone walls, numerous pits and 
wells, and in defiling through the extremely narrow streets of the small village 
abutting on the walls of the fort ; but these passed, they rushed up the steep 
ascent of the south-east angle, about 150 yards to the left of the 2nd European 
Regiment, with a loud cheer, and cleared all before them. 

Dated 12th December 1856. 

Report from — Brigadier R. W. IIonner, Commanding 2nd Infantry Brigade* 
Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 


The Major-General being a witness to the operations of the 2nd Brigade on 
the occasion in question, there is nothing forme to add further than to bring 
prominently to his special notice the high spirit and feeling which pervaded 
the troops on that day. 

I received the most active assistance from my Brigade-Major, Captain 
Aitehison, and Lieutenant Finch, Field Engineer, attached to the Brigade, in 
conveying orders and carrying out the execution of the general operations. 


Dated 13th December 1856. 

Report from— Lieutenant-Colonel Shepheard, Commanding 1st Infantry 
Brigade, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force* 

Having been myself at the time in command of the 20th Regiment Native 
Infan ty, I cannot say more regarding Her Majesty’s 6 1th Regiment than that 
their advance over very difficult ground’ on the strong position of the enemy, 
and their rush up the high, steep, and difficult earthwork under fire, was 
admirable. 

I have the pleasure to bear witness to the coolness and gallantry of the 
20th Regiment Native Infantry under my own eye, and to add to Captain 
Macleod’s report that, after an advance over a considerable space, entirely 
broken up by stone walls, wells, ruins, and large pits, under fire, on arriving 
close to the ditch my order to storm was responded to by cheers and a rush 
into the ditch and up the high steep of the east face of the work, which was 
not checked till the whole regiment was inside. 

I have only to add that the cheerfulness of both the regiments since the 
landing at Halila Bay under circumstances of much privation has been 
unfailing, and worthy of all praise. 

The death of the lamented Brigadier Stopford has been described to me 
as having occurred at the moment he had all but gained the top of the steep 
up which he was leading the men of Her Majesty’s 64th Regiment with his 
well known ardour. 




•’ ... ■ ■ 

f 

r ' : ; ■ • 




Dated 13th December 1856. 

Report from —Captain MacLeod, Commanding 20tb Regimert, Bombay Native In- 
fantry, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

Having been detached with the Light Company to cover the advance of 
the line, I am unable to report from personal observation on the conduct of the 
rest- of the battalion, but I feel sure that Brigadier Shepheard, then in command, 
will do it every justice in his report to superior authority, as I believe the offi- 
cers and men of the whole regiment one and all behaved with marked steadi- 
ness throughout the action. I therefore confine myself to the notice of the 
two flank companies as brought under my own observation. 

As regards the conduct of these two companies, I have to remark that they 
were, as Brigadier Shepheard is doubtless aware, the first troops that entered 
the enemy’s entrenchments. The steady firing of the Light Company, while 
advancing in skirmishing order (and specially when close to the breastwork, 
and exposed to a sharp fire), is well deserving of notice. It had the effect of 
so on checking very effectually (with the co-operation of the Light Company 
of Her Majesty’s 64th Regiment) the enemy’s fire from the right of the en- 
trenchment, and thus the enemy’s flank was completely turned. 

The enemy, however, in drawing off to the left took up a position out of 
reach of the fire of our Brigade skirmishers, who (partly owing to their aforesaid 
favorable position on the right, and their distance for a short time from the line) 
were not able to cover the centre and left of the 20th Regiment then advancing. 
To remedy this, I took upon myself to hail Captain Wood (then advancing with 
the regiment) to bring on his G renadier Company and extend it to our left. 
He immediately complied, but before the extension was complete, finding him- 
self near the breastwork, he closed his men, and led them on at once to the 
assault ; and thus both the Grenadier and Light Companies simultaneously 
dashed up the breastworks, and the position was won. 

Dated 22th December 1856. 

Report from— L ieutenant-Colonel Thomas Tupp, Commanding Cavalry 
Brigade, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

"With reference to the proceedings of the Brigade under my command on 
the 9th and 10th instant, I have the honor to state that the 3rd Light Cavalry 
having been on the advance guard, whilst I was on the rear guard with the 
Piinah Horse, I am unable personally to report on the former corps in the 
action of the 9th instant near Rashir, but I have heard from all parties that 
Lieutenant-Colonel Malet (whose death I have to deplore from sabre and shot 
wounds received on that day) was acting with great energy and gallantry, 
and was well supported by his corps. 

. The squadron of the Piinah Irregular Horse was divided, the greater part 
having been detached under Lieutenant La Touche, my Adjutant, for the 
protection of the “ landing place/’ where a part of the field force was still 
being disembarked; and I had with me but 67 men, who formed the rear 
guard to the advancing force. 

Towards the close of the engagement which was going on in our front, I 
observed that a large body of the enemy, both cavalry and foot (amounting, I 
believe, to above 500 men, who appeared to have advanced through ravines), 
was making « very rapid movement over the high ground near the sea, about 
a mile to my left : and making in a straight line for the “ landing place 


■ 




' ; " 


ILetrejcvb of the 
tx? J&otZiJdU **'*'■*+>, 










and as the troops and stores still disembarking were very much exposed, I 
thought it best to put my small force about, and by a quick movement endeav- 
our to intercept them ; and this, I am happy to say, I was enabled to effect. 
In the meantime ( whilst I was waiting for infantry and guns which I had 
hoped to procure from the near ) the enemy turned sharp to the left through the 
ravines, passed as quickly as the ground admitted over the precipitous ridge, 
and proceeded across the swamp into Persia. 

The Major-General will be aware from his knowledge of the ground how- 
impossible it was for cavalry to bring this force to action, and I most sincerely 
regret it; b ut I trust that it will be considered that a manoeuvre, which on such 
emergency, not only covered our landing place, but also turned the enemy clear 
away, so as to prevent any interruption of our communications, and prevented 
his interfering with our followers, stores, or cattle, will be considered by the 
Major-General at least as beneficial to the State as if the same object bad been 
gained by a bloody victory. 

The Major-General was kind enough to reinforce me from the front, as 
soon as his battle was over, with two guns and a squadron of the 3rd Cavalry 
under Captain Forbes, who brought them at a rapid pace and excellent order; 
but the enemy had long passed away, and was almost out of sight. 

I should wish to add that Dr. Rogers, of the Punab Irregular Horse,, 
having no sick to attend to, was enabled to make himself most useful to me 
as “staff,” and I feel much indebted to him for his energy and zeal on this 
day. I also found Captain Oldfield, who had joined me with a small party 
of his regiment, the 3rd Light Cavalry, of great service. 

On the approach to Bushire on the 10th instant, the Punah Horse formed * 
part of the advance guard which was under my command, and, when detached 
by the Major-General to the right flank to cut off a straggling body of the 
enemy, we dashed at it so as to intercept all who were mounted, and these imme- 
diately surrendered. The Infantry, however, with whom they were mixed up, 
were doubled to rush into the creek on their left, and commenced a very sharp 
fire ; and as I was separated from them by 60 yards of deep mud and water, 
and our meu were much exposed, I was obliged to open a fire on them, explain- 
ing to them, as I did so, that if they came on shore and ceased firing, they should 
be spared. Many accepted the offer and dropped their arms in the creek, but 
very many more, endeavouring to cross it, were lost. 

The enemy’s cavalry, I regret to say, would not face us, and most of them 
escaped across the same creek later in the day, and under the walls of the 
town. All my officers and men behaved very well, and I am happy to say the 
enemy’s fire was so very high that none were hurt. 

The 3rd Light Cavalry was separated from me during the morning by my 
flank movement to the right, but when it joined me, it came up in excellent order 
under Captain Forbes, the officer who now commands it. 

Dated Camp near Bushire, 10th February 1 857. 

From — Lieutenant-General Sie J. Outeam, e.c.b., Commanding Persian 
Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army. 

I have the honor to report, for your Excellency’s information, that the Per- 
sian Expeditionary Force obtained a signal victory over the Persian army, 
commanded by Shuja-ul-Mulk in person, on the 8th instant. 

2. The enemy’s loss m killed and wounded must have been very great ; it is 
impossible to compute the exact amount, but from the number of bodies which 
strewed the ground of contest, extending several miles, I should say that full 
700 must have fallen. Two brass 9-pr, guns, with their carriages and horses, 


1 i 













fe’ians from the commencement. I have, however, to regret the loss of Lieutenant 
.Frankland, 2nd European Regiment, who was acting as Brigade Major of 


Guards 

2 Karaguglu regiments 

Shiraz regiment ... ... _ 

4 regiments of Tabriz ... ... 800 the town of Borasjan, 46 miles dis- 

Arab regiment ... ... 900 tant from Bushire, and entrenched his 

Kashgai regiment ... ... _S00 position . Th is army was weil sup 

5,100 plied with food and ammunition, of 

which considerable magazines had been 

Tufangelns , 4 . .«« LOOP collected. It was intended that this 

Cavalry of Shiraz ... 300 force’ should form the nucleus of a very 

Ukhani Horse ... , 4 . 500 large army to be assembled for the 

800 reca P ture Bu shire. I therefore 

Guns said to bo ... ... 18 dee . med ^ imperatively necessary to 

strike a blow in this quarter before pro- 
secuting operations at Muhammarah or elsewhere. 

9. The 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, which arrived on the 31st ultimo and 1st 
3rd Cavalry ... 243 | , iq . instant, was landed by the 2nd, and on 

Punah Horse 17G f 4 sa 1CS * the evening of the 3rd the troops, as per 

^Europeans !" 693 2,212 Europeans. m "f 1 “? maXoh f . tMs Wlt ^ 

78th Highlanders 739 ) out tents or extra clothing of any sort. 

Sappers ... 1181 each man carrying his greatcoat, blan- 

??, th Tw, aiive Infantry 442 ket, and two days’ cooked provisions, the 

26tli E Na e t S ive Infantry 479 \ ^ Commissariat being provided with three 

Bilucln's ... 460 J days in addition. The protection of the 

3rd Troop Horse 1 camp and town of Bushire being duly 

3rd A St r Field Bat- ® provided for by a detachment of troops 

tery ... 6 g s * under the command of Lieutenant-Colo- 

6tb Light Field Bat- nel Shepherd, reinforced by a party 

te *** of seamen from all the ships in the 


900 said to amount to 8,500, and subse- 
quently found to he as per margin, at 


Tufaugclifs 


Cavalry of Shiraz 
llkhani Horse 


Guns said to bo 


3rd Cavalry 
Punali Horse 
64th Foot 
2nd Europeans ... 
78th Highlanders 
Sappers 


| 419 sabres. 

780) 

693 > 2,212 Europeans. 
739) 

1181 


20th Native Infantry 442 | 

4th Bifles ... 523 h 3,022 Natives. 

26th Native Infantry 479 | 

Bilucln's ... 460 J 


3rd Troop Horse 
Artillery 

3rd Light Field Bat- 
tery 

6th Light Field Lat- 
te 


, b 18 guns. 


harbour, which the senior officer was so good as to place at my disposal. 


111111 


8 mules laden with ammunition, and several hundred stand of arms, were 
taken; and the Persian Commander-in-Chief with the remainder of his army 
only escaped annihilation owing to the numerical weakness of our cavalry. 

3. The loss on Our side is* 1 am happy to say, comparatively small, attrib- 
utable, I am inclined to believe, to the rapid advance of our artillery and 
Cavalry, and the well directed fire of the former, which almost paralysed the Per- 


Cavalry, and was killed in the first cavalry charge. Captain Forbes also, 
who commanded and most gallantly led the 3rd Cavalry* and Lieutenant 
Greentree, 64th Foot, were severely Wounded. 

4. Returns of the killed and wounded, and also of the ordnance stores taker!, 
are annexed. 

5. I myself had little to do with the action, being stunned by my horse fall- 
ing with me at the commencement of the contest, and recovering only in time 
to resume my place at the head of the army shortly before the close of the action. 

6. To Major-General Stalker and Colonel Lugard, Chief of the Staff, i& the 
credit due for successfully guiding our troops to victory on this occasion. 

7. The circumstances preceding this satisfactory termination of a brief but 
arduous campaign, I now proceed to detail for your Excellency's information. 

8. On the 27th ultimo I landed at Bushire, and assumed the command 
of the army. The vast preparations of the Persian Government for the 
recovery of Bushire then came to my knowledge. 

Shuja-ul-Mulk, who commanded the Persian troops, had assembled a force, 

.1 _ r\r%s\ • t j . . ^ ^ ^ . ' 






10. Aft* r a march of 46 miles in 41 hours, during 1 which the troops were 
Camp. exposed to the worst of weather, cold nights and delu- 

878 Europeans. ging storms of rain, they reached the enemy's entren- 

1,466 Native Infantry. ched position on the afternoon of the 5th, and found 
Artillery. *t abandoned. The enemy, on hearing of our approach, 

14 guns. had evacuated his entrenchments the previous night so 

precipitately, that his tents, camp equipage, and ordn- 
ance magazines were left behind; the former were being rapidly carried off by 
village plunderers operating forsome hours before we arrived. 1 endeavoured to 
intercept the retreat of some of the Ilkham horse, who had held the camp dur- 
ing the night and were still in sight; and a little skirmishing took place, but 
eventually they made off . — See rough sketch No. 5 . 

11* The enemy having succeeded in withdrawing their guns to the strong 
passes, where I did not deem it prudent to follow them, and being satisfied 
with the moral effect of our occupying their position for two days, I decided, 
upon moving the troops back to Bu shire. The return march was accordingly 
commenced on the night of the 7th, first destroying their magazines, found to 
Contain about 40,000 lbs, of powder, with small arm ammunition and a vast quan- 
tity of shot and shell, and carrying away large stores of flour, rice, and grain, 
which the Persian Government had been collecting for a long time past for 
their army, thereby effectually crippling their future operations. 

Some of their guns ape supposed to have been east info wejls; and as their 
wheels and axles fell into our hands, it will be impossible they can be used again 
for the present. 

1*2. At midpight an attack was made upon the regr-guard by the enemy's 
horse, and parties threatened the line of march on every side; the troops were 
halted, and so formed as to protect the baggage and resist horsemen in what-> 
ever direction they might attempt to charge. Four of the enemy's guns of 



The number of wounded could not be ascertained, but it must have been 
very large. The remainder fled in a disorganized state, generally throwing 
away their arms, which strewed the field in vast numbers; and nothing but 
the paucity of our cavalry prevented their total destruction and the capture 
of the remaining guns . — See rough sketch No. 6‘. 

16. The troops bivouacked for the day close to the battle field, and at night 
accomplished a march of 20 miles (by another route) over a country rendered 
almost impassable by the heavy rain, which fell incessantly. After a rest of 
six hours, the greater portion of the infantry continued their march to Bushire, 
which they reached before midnight, thus performing another most arduous 
march of 44 miles under incessant rain, besides fighting and defeating the 
enemy during its progress within the short period of 50 hours. The cavalry 
and artillery reached camp this morning. 

17. The result is most satisfactory, and will, I trust, have a very bene- 
ficial effect upon our future operations. 

IS* The greatest praise is due to the troops of all arms for their steadiness 
and gallantry in the field, their extraordinary exertions on the march, and 
their cheerful endurance of fatigue and privation under circumstances rendered 
doubly severe by the inclemency of the weather, to which they were exposed 
without shelter of any kind ; and 1 cannot too strongly express the obliga- 
tion I feel to all under my command for the almost incredible exertions they 
have undergone, and the gallantry they have displayed on this occasion. 

19. To Sfajor-Gejieral Stalker and to Colonel Lugard my special thanks 
£ire due. 

20. To the heads of the several departments, as well as to every officer 
belonging to those departments, and to my personal staff (including Lieutenant- 
Colonel Lord Dunkellin, who volunteered his services as aide-de-camp), I am 
much indebted: from all I received every possible assistance ; and although I 
$o not now specify by name the departmental and personal staff and other officers 
alluded to, 1 shall hereafter take an opportunity of bringing them indivi- 
dually to your Excellency's notice ; indeed, when ajl have behaved so nobly, it is 
difficult to specify individuals. 

21. The rapid retreat of the enemy afforded but little opportunity for 
deeds of special gallantry I have already alluded to ,* the successful charges made 
by the 3rd Cavalry and Fun ah Horse under Captain Forbes and Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Tupp, and to the very efficient services performed by the Artillery under Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Trevelyan, the Brigadiers Commanding the Infantry Brigades — 
"Willson, Stisted, and Homier, — with the several commanding officers of re- 
giments and indeed every officer and soldier of the force, earned my warmest 
approbation . 

22. To the medical officers of the force, I am under great obligation for 
their untiring exertions throughout these dangerous operations. 

23. I cannot conclude without alluding in strong terms to the valuable 
assistance I have received from Major Taylor, yriiose services were placed at 
my disposal by Hon'ble C. A. Murray, c.b. 


Return of killed and wounded belonging to the Persian Field Force during the action at 
Khushab on 8th February 1857. 

Divisional Staff, 

Lieutenant Fraiiklani ... ... Killed. 



<8(i.) J. WRAY, Captain, 
iJ>j Qr. Mr. G'etd., P. E. F. A 

l. B. September 1888. 

Exci J. A. A 




8 © 



3rd Troop Horse Artillery « 
rx wounded (tliree Europeans) ; one since dead. 

1st Company , 1st Battalion Artillery. 

One killed (European), one wounded, 

4th Company , 1st Battalion Artillery, 

Two wounded (Europeans). 

3rd Bight Cavalry. 

'Captain "Forbes 

One killed ; fourteen wounded ; one since dead. 

Her Wajesty's 64th Regiment . 

Captain Mockler :> 

Lieutenant Greentree ) ••• ••• «• Wounded. 

Eleven wounded (Europeans) ; two since dead. 

2nd ^European Regiment Bight Infantry . 

Ensign Woodcock ... ... ... .... Wounded. 

^Europeans) two killed ; nine wounded-; one -since dead. 

Bunah Irregular Horse, 

Three killed, eight wounded ; one since dead. 

26th Regiment Native Infantry, 

Assistant Surgeon J. M. Barwell .... • .... Wounded. 

Four wounded. 

2nd Biluch Battalion . 

■One killed. 

Ordnance Department. 

One killed ; two wounded ; 

Total killed : Europeans 3, Natives 7. 

Wounded „ 31 „ 31. 

Grand total [ ^Imded 62 } 72 ‘ 

Died of wounds since action — 3 Europeans and 3 Natives. 

Officers and men. recommended by Lieutenant-General Sir J. Outrat® 
cc.b,; for the Victoria Cross : — 

Captain Forbes. Lieutenant Spens. 

Lieutenant and Adjutant Moore. Cornet Combe. 

Captain Moore. Cornet Hill. 

Lieutenant Malcolmson. Jemadar Ranjit Sing. 

Captain Wray. Trooper Lall Khan. 

All of 3rd Regiment Bombay Light Cavalry for distinguished braverj 
at the destruction of the Persian infantry square on the 8th February 1857, 
action of Khushab, 


Wounded 


Dated Camp near Bushire, 10th February 1857. 

From — C aptain J. Forbes, 3rd Regiment Light Cavalry, Persian Expeditionary 
Field Force, 

To — The Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

I have the honor to submit a report of the part taken by the regiment in 
the action of the 8th instant up to the time when wounded. I had to hand 
over the command to Captain Graves. 


I 


go 





■ ' : 


PS 


2 As soon as it was sufficiently light to discern the Peisian army fiom 
our position, Brigadier Tupp, with the Pdnah Horse, advanced at a rapid pace 
to our right front ; and as I was left without instructions as to hou I was to 
act, I judged that it was the Brigadier’s intention that I should be guided by 

CirC 3 m An D oppo rtunity almost Immediately offered of attacking a considerable 
body of skirmishers, and to do this T advanced with the 3rd Squadron under 
Captain Moore, having first directed Captain Graves to support with the 1st 

^*4. The nature" of the ground sheltered the squadron in this advance from 
the fire of the enemy’s guns, and the charge was most successful. Surprised in 
extended order without support, the enemy’s loss was considerable; ours veiy 

trifling^ ^ pursu i t 0 f the skirmishers, from some rising ground, I obtained 

an excellent view of the Persian force. . , a Ida 

6 It was evident that the forward movement of our cavahy towards Ins 
left had not been unobserved by the enemy, and troops were m motion to 

Stle ^One tSinby^regiment, which, in the imperfect morning light, I mis- 
took for a body of cavalry, was approaching us very rapidly. r , • 

8 The squadron was much scattered, the absence of support Captain 
Graveshaving been impeded in his advance by our artillery dep eying— made 
iT advLble to retire, which was done very quietly, front rank and officers 
leading, the men closing in and taking up their dressing. 

9 I remained a little in rear to watch the enemy. 

10. Soon after we had moved off it, the rising ground before referred to 

was occupied by the above mentioned infantry regiment. , , 

11. The men and horses of the squadron were in high spirits, the ground 
most favorable for cavalry, the enemy in a position isolated from the rest ot 

- their army; even if an attack against them failed, the consequences would not 

he seuoi bordered the squadron to wheel about and attack to its front. The 

enernv li&lted on tlie slope and formed squat e. , , i ^ i 

13. The men saw at once what was required of them, and by a loud chee 
assured their officers of their determination to meet the odds opposed to the u. 

14 The distance between ns and this fine body of men, 700 to 800 strong, 
armed with musket and bayonet, with confidence awaiting : the i shock m a for- 
mation they had been taught to consider impracticable to hoisemen, was soo i 
passed. Without a check, and almost at the same instant along its whole face, 
was the square dashed upon, broken, and entered, and soldiers, one moment 
before so perfect an example of discipline, had become a contused mass of 

fugitives.^ ^ oug action have j witne ssed in so short a time so great a 

destruction of life as was then inflicted by the straight sword, drawn from a 
steel scabbard, on this regiment; and yet that only weapon for a cavalry soldi 
has been called an useless one in the hands of a native dragoon. 

16 To the right rear of where this square had stood was a very fine gun 
with six horses, whose gunners and drivers shared the fate of their infantry 

17. This masked gun, had there been any delay in our attack after the 
enemy appeared on the ground on which they stood to receive the charge, 
would Have been brought to bear on the squadron. 




mm 


91 



18. By this gun Captain Moore’s horse was mortally wounded, and both 
that officer and Captain Wray, leader of the right troop, of the 3rd Squadron, 
whose charger I observed was covered with blood from three bullet wounds, 
greatly exposed themselves in endeavouring to bring it off. 

19. I was now obliged to hand over comm md of the regiment to Cap- 
tain Graves, owing to a wound received in the attack on the square. At the 
close of the action, 1 was highly gratified to hear of the admirable manner 
in which all ranks did their duty under that excellent officer. 

20. I may mention that, whilst retiring to reform before the attack on the 
square, I observed Captain Graves’ squadron advancing at a gallop towards 
the enemy considerably to our left. 

21. I* would wish to bring to your notice the gallantry of Lieutenant and 
Adjutant Moore, In the charge on the square, he dashed in front, and his 
horse fell dead mi the bayonets, precipitating, bis rider into the midst of the 
enemy. Lieutenants Maleolmson and Combe are also very promising and 
gallant young officers. The latter’s horse had three bullet wounds and a 
bayonet stab. 

To the assistance afforded to him by the former, do I consider Lieutenant 
Moore owes his life ; with a sword broken by his fall, he was dragged clear of 
the enemy by Lieutenant Maleolmson, who, drawing his foot from the stirrup, 
gave him the leather to hold by. 

22. Lieutenant Spens, who so well led the left troop of the 3rd Squadron 
had also his horse wounded. 


Dated Bushire, 7th May 1857. 

, who commanded Left Squadron, 3rd Bombay Cavalry, at 
Khushdb. 


Report by Captain Moore, 


Upon the morning of the 8th February at Khushab, a little before daylight, 
the 3rd Cavalry were formed up in close column of squadrons — left in front- 
facing the direction of the enemy. The Pun ah Horse, also in close column, were 
on our right. * * * At daylight Brigadier Tupp went off to the right at a hard 
gallop. I heard no previous order given by Brigadier Tupp for this advance, 
but Captain Forbes immediately advanced, and the squadron was soon employed 
in cutting up the Persian skirmishers, who had advanced close enough to annoy 
the line of infantry and guns. After being thus employed for a few minutes, 
we perceived to our left what appeared to be in the grey of the morning a large 
mass of cavalry coming in our direction. Captain Forbes instantly ordered 
the squadron to reform, and we advanced in the direction of what had appeared 
a body of horse. On getting closer, we observed it was a large body of infantry 
moving with a gun from the Persian right towards their left. This was a 
regiment of the Shah’s guard. They halted on the rise of a small hill, and 
fired volleys at us. When, we got close, they formed a solid square with kneel- 
ing ranks, and awaited us most steadily. When within 30 yards of the square, I 
observed Lieutenant Moore, who was Adjutant of the regiment, and then rid- 
ing in front of Captain Wray’s troop, spur his horse to speed, and in the most 
gallant and most determined manner rush the horse into the. square in front of 
the whole squadron. The squadron then in parade order, in a perfect line, rode 
down the square, and it no longer existed, except as a struggling mass. The 
squadron had originally consisted of one hundred and twenty men, and it is 
my opinion that when we entered the square , we were under 100 men, from 
some having been wounded and several scattered after the enemy’s skirmishers. 
I am confirmed in this opinion by Captain Wray being of the sum e belief. 














I am of opinion fiat the square consisted of at least 800 men ; there- 
fore the bravery and gallantry of Captain Forbes in leading against it 
entirely on his own responsibility a small body of cavalry, one-tenth’of their 
number, and quite unsupported by any other body, cannot be over-estimated. 
The Persian regular infantry bad never been previously met by us • the regi- 
ment was a famous one amongst them, and well armed with excellent muskets 
and fixed bayonets ; and the men were the largest and finest looking- body I 
ever saw, having been enlisted from the northern provinces of Persist 

Captain Forbes unhesitatingly led the charge, and the whole squadron as 
unhesitatingly followed ,- and I can only attribute our losing so few men to the- 
' excellent order and quick pace that we advanced at ; besides, the enemy, being on 
the rise of a hill, fired considerably too high. We took possession of a gun which 
the enemy were driving off to the rear of what had been their square, but 
the men being scattered in single combat, the gun could not he taken off. 

Captain Forbes, who was severely wounded in charging the square. Captain 
Wray, and myself remained with this gun for a little time; but Captain 
Wray’s horse being dangerously wounded, and mine being mortally wounded 
at the gun, we were obliged to desert it. I beg to bring to notice here the 
steady and brave conduct of Trooper Lall Khan, 6th Troop, who dismounted 
under a heavy fire, on my order, to mount the leading gun horse and attempt 
to drive it off, in which I have no doubt we should have succeeded hut for my 
horse being mortally wounded just then, and the enemy being all round us 
and Lall Khan being the only trooper at or near the gun. * 

The gunners had jumped off the gun, and ran away on our approach. The 
three drivers were all killed immediately. I am of opinion that the enemy 
took out the horses, and never moved this gun from where we had to leave it. 

• The whole squadron nobly did their duty. Captain Forbes was severely 
wounded in the charge, Captain Wray very severely wounded by three bul- 
lets, Cornet Combe’s horse severely wounded by two bullets and a sword cut 
Lieutenant Spens’ horse was slightly bayoneted. Lieutenant Moore’s horse’ 
was killed in the broken square, and his sword was broken in his fall. 

The right squadron (which had been unfortunately unable to support the left 
from the delay caused by the guns getting between the squadrons), when then- 
front was clear, advanced, and the left squadron, not being in sight acted 
independently, and equally distinguished itself by charging and routing ] ar <r e 
masses of the enemy. During the-action both squadrons united, when Captain 
Graves took command of the regiment, Captain Forbes having been compelled 
to leave the field some time previously from the effects of his wound 

Captain Wray had command of the left squadron until I was able to mount 
& trooper's horse, my own having been killed,. 


Beporfc by Captaik Oldfield- 

On the day of the engagement at Khushab, on the 8th February last I was 
in command of the 1st Troop, 3rd Light Cavalry. My own troop was ’actin«- 
in concert with the 2nd Troop,, the squadron being- commanded by Captain 
Graves, and on each occasion of its charging the enemy, its success was as bril- 
liant as the courage of the troopers was marked and distinguished Besides 
the officers with the squadron, I can appeal to Major Ballard, c.b., who assured 
me himself at the time that with such men one could go anywhere and do any- 
thing. I wish particularly to state that in concert with the 2nd Troop we 


I ISfefi 




f A A “ 






VO 

captured one of the two guns taken in the action at Khushab, every man 

the gun (a 9-pr.) having been slain in acti ve combat for its defence. 

Where all behaved so nobly, I feel a difficulty amounting to an impossi- 
bility in making any special selection, but I venture respectfully to suggest that 
the conduct of the troop I had the honor to command on the occasion in ques- 
tion falls exactly within the provisions of the nineteenth rule of the regulations 
for the distribution oi* the u Victoria Gross/* In conclusion, I trust that the* 
fact of my inability to make any special selections will not be suffered to oper- 
ate to the disadvantage of the troop, or bar their claim to such favorable con- 
sideration as the General Officer Commanding may deem expedient. 

Extract from Supernumerary Surgeon McKenzie $ Report, dated llih February 183?. 

As I had an opportunity of seeing, I must do myself the pleasure of 
recording the excellent conduct of the medical officers with the force. 

All were in their places and discharged their duties with the greatest order 
and regularity and most efficiently, and this whilst exposed to the fire of the 
enemy equally with the officers of their respective regiments. The Zealand 
ability displayed by Field Surgeon Deas were most praiseworthy and deserving 
my best thanks; and although nearly all the other medical officers belonged to* 
the first division, and the credit which they merit will no doubt be awarded 
them by their own Supernumerary Surgeon, I trust I shall be excused when I 
take the liberty of highly commending the conduct of Surgeon Neilson of the 
Artillery, Surgeon Wright, 2nd Europeans, Surgeon Inglis, Her Majesty's 64th 
Regiment, Surgeon Lod wick of the Rifles, and Assistant Surgeon Rogers of the* 
Punah Irregular Horse, and Assistant Surgeon Corey, Her Majesty's 64th Re- 
giment — officers who have so lately served with me, and of whose ability and 
devotion to the public service I have had an opportunity of judging. Assist- 
ant Surgeon McAlister, Civil Surgeon, Residency Persian Gulf, was also present,, 
and rendered every aid io his power. 

Extract from Supernumerary Surgeon StovelVs Report . 

Several surgical operations were performed on the field, and the conduct 
of every medical officer was beyond praise ; " and again, “ it will be apparent to 
the Board that the medical officers of the force have, in common with every- 
body else, been subjected to great fatigue and exposure, and it will be gratify- 
ing to be assured that they laboured throughout with unceasing devotion to 
their duties. 

Dated 14th February 1857. 

Despatch from — L ieuten ant-Gen real Sir J. Outbam, k.c.b., Commanding ~ 
Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — His Excellency the Governor General of India. 

I have the honor to inform your Lordship that I arrived here on the 
27th ultimo, when I learnt that extensive preparations were being organised 
by the enemy, which at first I was led fco believe had merely in view to bar 
our advance to Shiraz ; and as I supposed their troops were immediately 
under the passes, into which they would retire at our 
carJhi^ ered by Want ° f approach, I did not contemplate the advisability of 

" l ^ ’ proceeding against them until the capture of Muham- 

inarali had opened a supply of carriage cattle, with which we are yet unprovided. 

2. Subsequently, however, it became apparent that the enemy were con- . 
eentrating a far greater force than heretofore it had been supposed they 


U 




If 

IS 




1 : 

>1 


i| 

If 


f 

■ ! : 










I Kyat Horse 
Afsharf Horse 


possiLly could accommodate l-elow the passes, and it was evident iW nt i 
-cvobectrf, they „„„ld „ fc. » J position t„ ai„p" ,L 

Detail of enemy’s forces occupying the entrenched Bushire. Moreover, that the 

FanjiKhals a h £ampatBorasjaU - 800 Persian Commandcr-in- Chief, 

4th Fanji Tabriz ". SIiuja-ul-Mulk, had formed an 

Fauji Shiraz ... 6oo entrenched camp at Borasian 

Fauj! Kaahkai tnn mil } about 46 miles distant,; 

Tufanchfa j ® lld 1 Z from the passes, which 

Two regiments of Karagusliis t i^QO ^ occupied with a force of 8,45 0 
Shall Reiman ... ... 400 regular infantry and cavalry fas 

Slnrazi (or inhabitants of the neighbour- n er m arff j n \ with ] 7 , ^ ' ■» 

hood of Shiraz) ... 400 * er maigin;, with 17 guns and 

Ilfyat Horse 500 one mortar, and that reinforce- 

Afshuri Horse ... ' 750 ^ents froga Tihran and else- 

Total ? vhere were rapidly approach- 

Total ... MoO Jng t0 the extent of 12 regi- 

oe ^ „ ments of regular infantry with 

! w m 6 Prepa, ; a i ? ,1 . s T ere maki °S for raising the tribes, of whom 
4,000 would be assembled in 24 hours. om 

_ . Barties of horse had been sent forward, and violent denunciations were 

} unclaimed, to deter the people of the country from furnishing supplies to our 
camp, and mistrust and apprehension prevailed in the town. 

4. It became imperatively necessary, therefore, to strike a blow in this 
quaitei before extending our operations elsewhere; and to enable me to effect 

should £rfv“ ^ “ J,ligade of the iDd Vision so soon as it 

5. The first portion of the Brigade in tow of the Polling er anchored in the 

harbour on the d.st ultimo, and the remainder iu tow of the Precursor on the 
. st instant, and all were lauded by the evening of the 2 nd in light marchim- 
order, leaving all surplus baggage on board. ** 

6 . On the evening of the 3rd instant, 1 marched with a force of 4,653 men 


Cavalry (saW >B ) ... 419 of all arms and ii> guns ; but bavins* barely sufWnt 

sssar-ss *w ^**v*~» ifiri 1 

- — da I rs > w ® vvere necessarily without tents or cover of any 
4,653 sort beyond what the men carried on their backs, in 
18 suns addition to the two days' provisions with which they 

b ' were supplied. J 

7. As we were exposed during the six days occupied in. this expedition to 
frequent heavy ram, the troops suffered much discomfort in bivouac, and still 
greater hardship on the march, owing to the heavy spongy nature of the ground 
they traversed, which they bore with admirable cheerfulness and fortitude The 
shoes of the greater portion of the infantry were literally drawn off tlieir fee * 
111 struggling through the mud, and those which remained so utterly unservice-" 
able that I have had to issue a new pair to ail European and .Native infantry 
soldiers, which I have done gratis, and I trust this will meet with your Lord- 
ship's approval. — See rough sketch No. 7. J 

8. My despatch of 11th instant, addressed to tlie Commander-in-Chief 
Bombay Army, will inform your Lordship of our military proceedings. The’ 
mord. effect of the defeat of the Shuja-ul-Mulk's army, composed of some of 
the ilite of the Persian troops, by a British force so numerically inferior 
the capture of his camp and destruction of his magazines, must prove 
advantageous to our cause, and will, I think, deter tlie Persian General, 
when reinforced by the troops and guns now approaching from Tihran, from 
appearing before Buslnre during my absence at Muhammarak. But I consider it 


18 guns. 



m 


urgently requisite tbat General Stalker should be reinforced as early as possible 
by at least another European and two Native infantry regiments, with another 
troop of horse artillery and a foot battery, horsed, also some guns for positions, 
to avert the necessity of my detaching to his aid any portion of the force des- 
tined for Muhammarah, and the subsequent advance on Shustar, which latter 
movement, indeed, on which I mainly rely for securing healthy summer quar- 
ters for a portion of the European troops, and for effecting any real impression 
on Persia (and this chiefly through the organization of the Tureo-Arabian levies, 
who could only be raised in that quarter), would in that case have to be aband- 
oned, and our operations would then be confined to the sea coast. 

* * * * * * * 

1 2. By the latest accounts from Muhammarah, I learn that the Prince- Gov- 
ernor of Burujird (Khanlar Mirza, Governor-General of all Persian Arabistan) 
hail arrived there with large reinforcements of infantry and cavalry and eight 
guns, and that the enemy^s force now there may probably be estimated at about 
10,000 men of all arms and 16 guns. 

13. Assuming that the Golundauze Company will accompany that bri- 

gade (to be left with General 
H«M$SSwth ::: 500 stalker in substitution for ; the 

26th Native Infantry ... ... 400 reserve company or artillery 

23rcl Native Infantry ... ... 750 now here required for the 

20th Native Infantry ... ... 300 mountain train), the force for 

Company Uppers ]" 100 Muhammarah will consist of 

1 troop Horse Artillery ... ... 150 3,7 LO men of all arms as per 

1 company Field Artillery ... ... 100 margin. 

Mountain Train with Reserve Company & 

of Artillery ... ... 60 


Grand total 


... 3,710 


22. There are two routes between Shiraz and Isfahan, which unite about 
two-thirds of the way. The one called the “ winter route is said to possess 

» but few natural difficulties, and the wild Bakht&ri 

on es o ac vauce. generally migrate by the other or <e summer ” route 

during the winter. 

23. Between Isfahan and Tihran the track is fair and practicable for 
artillery. The march should be accomplished, however, in the cold season 
owing to the scarcity of water, especially along the “ Valley of the shadow 
of death. ” Thus the advance to Shiraz during spring would be in time for 
the further progress to Tihran in the following winter. 

* " * * * * # * 

The General complains of political restrictions which have been placed 
upon him, and strongly condemns proposal to abstain from making use of the 
_ „ . _ •. .. Ara b tribes, who, he explains, will (if not employed 

o i ic res lie ions. ^ the British) plunder baggage convoys, and cut off- 

supplies and information. 

No. 14- A., dated 16th March 1857. 

From — Lieutenant-General Sir J. Outram, k.c.b., Commanding Persian 
Expeditionary Field Force, 

To— The Adjutant General, Bombay Army. 

Reports that Major-General Stalker, c.b., died from the effects of a 
pistol shot inflicted by his own hand on the morning of the 14th instant, and 






Minute by Viscount Canning, dated 21st March 1857, 

Persia , 


that Brigadier Wilson, k.h., has been appointed to the command of the 1st 
Division of Infantry as a temporary measure, and Lieutenant-Colonel Shep- 
heard, 20th Regiment Native Infantry, to command the 1st Brigade, 1st 
Division, in succession. 

Adds that Brigadier-General Jacob, c.b., will remain in command of Bush ire 
during his (Sir J. Outranks) absence on the expedition to Muhammarah. 


The thanks of the Government of India to Lieutenant-General Sir James 
Outram and to the officers and men under his command for the signal success 
obtained ' by them over the Persian army in the neighbourhood of Borasjan, 
and the admiration with which their courage, energy, and discipline have been 
viewed by the Governor-General in Council, were proclaimed publicly as soon 
as Sir James Outranks despatches of 10th and 14tli February reached Calcutta, 
The notification of the 12th March will be conveyed to Sir James Outram 
forthwith. In the 8th paragraph of the despatch of 10th February, Sir James 
Outram specifies the reinforcements which, in addition to the second. division 
of the army, he considers necessary in order to make the position of Major- 
General Stalker at Bushire secure during liis absence at Muhammarah. Of 

these, one European regiment left Madras for Bushire in the Oriental on the 

17th instant. One company of artillery has already been despatched from Bom- 
bay, and the remainder of the artillery, with the two native infantry regiments 
asked for, will be ready for embarkation at that post about the 28th instant. 

The delay in the arrival at Bushire of one brigade of the second division 
has, as I greatly regret to see, obstructed Sir James Outranks movements. So 
far as I can judge from frequent communication with the Government of 
Bombay, this delay has occurred from no other cause than the want of steapi 
power, — a want so great that at least two squadrons of 
Want of steamers. the Sind Horse have been consigned to sailing vessels 
unassisted by steamers— a mode of transport which at this season is already very 
tedious, and will soon become more so. But this has been unavoidable. Of 
all the steam vessels which the Government of India possesses, or can obtain on 
hire for service in Persia, two only, the Fire Queen and Coromandel , are on this 
side of India, each engaged on a duty which admits of 
* Auckland. n0 interruption or postponement ; two* are in China, 

■Zcnofoa. ail d every other vessel is in use between Bombay and 

Bushire. I believe that two of these have been retained in the Persian Gulf, 
and have not contributed to the transport of the second division ; but this was to 
he expected and in any case it is certain that the steam vessels at the disposal 
of the Government of ‘India are not sufficient for the purpose of moving a force 
of little more than six thousand men, with its proportion of followers and horses, 
from Bombay to Bushire with the rapidity which the shortness of the seasons 
for operations, whether by sea or land, render desirable. I trust, therefore, that 
the Honffile Court will bear in mind the request for an addition to the number 
of steamers fit for transport of troops which has already been addressed to them, 
and that the means of the Government in this respect will be increased before 
the time for the despatch of the larger reinforcements to the army arrives. 

In the 20th and 21st paragraphs. General Outram raises the question of 
the time at which an advance upon Shiraz should take place, whether before 
the winter or in the spring, and he gives his reasons for preferring the latter : 



* The remainder supposed to have been thrown in the river. 


cc So far as our Persian foes are concerned, I shall, I trust, with the rein- 

“ forcemeats I have ashed for be sufficiently strong to maintain the country 
“ below the passes, namely, Kliuzistan and Lurist&n, and be prepared, to advance 
“ on Shiraz whenever the additional troops destined to operate in the interior 
<c of Persia shall have joined. I am now thoroughly informed as to the proper 
seasons for such movement, and have no hesitation in stating that; if in 
*■ time sufficiently strengthened in troops, and supplied with baggage cattle, 
u we can occupy Shiraz before winter, up to which point our sepoys would be 
<c available, for though Shiraz itself is very cold, they would not, I believe, 
** suffer there if properly housed ; at any rate they would suffice to hold Bushire 
u and the line of communication below Shiraz ; but during the summer and 
* e autumn the water is bad and scarce, and forage hardly procurable between 
u those two points. 

“ all considerations, therefore, it would appear preferable to defer the 
ic advance on Shiraz until the early part of spring (March)/ - ’ 

I think the reasons are good. 

Ko. 5, dated “ J Feroee ” off Muhammarah, 25th March 1857. 

From — Acting- Commodobe J. W. Young, i.n., Commanding Persian Gulf 
Squadron, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

In acquainting- you with my intention o£ attacking the forts defending 
Muhammarah with t he squadron under my command at early dawn tomorrow 
morning, I beg to inform you that when the fort appears to me to be 
sufficiently silenced for the troops to be brought up in the vessels told off 
for this purpose from the present rendezvous to the place of debarkation be- 
tween the first and second creek, south of Jabar’s fort, the rendezvous flag will 
be hoisted by the vessel bearing my pendant, and repeated by the other vessels 
at the time in company with me. 

Dated Camp near Muhammarah, 27th March 1857. 

Despatch from -Lietttenant-Gfneiul Sie J. Odteam, k.c.e., Commandins- 
Persian Expeditionary Field Force, ° 

To— The Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army. 

I have the honor to report, for your Excellency’s information, the successful 
result of the operations against Muhammarah. The Persian army evacuated 
their entrenched position and camp about midday, leaving behind all their tents 
standing, with nearly the whole of their property, public and private, all their 
ammunition, and seventeen guns. As far as I am able to learn, only five 
guns* and a portion of the personal effects of the Shahzadah have been carried 
away. 

2. It was my intention to have proceeded against the place immediately 
upon my return from the Borasjan Expedition last month,- hut owing to the 
non-arrival of the Requisite reinforcements caused by the tempestuous weather 
im the Gulf, together with unforeseen causes of delay, I was not able to leave 
Bushire until the 18th instant. In the meantime, however, I had despatched 
the transports into the Shatt-ul-Arab from Bushire, as the troops were 
embarked, so that upon my arrival in the steamer Feroze no further dehv 
occurred beyond what was necessarily caused by the tides, and by towhm- 1% 
many large vessels up the river. & 



* S. For some months past' the Persians had been strengthening their 
position at Muhammarah ; batteries had been erected of great strength of solid 
earth 20 feet thick and IB feet high, with casemated embrasures, on the 
northern and southern parts of the banks of the E.arun and Shatt-ul- 
Arab, where the two rivers join; these with other earthworks, armed with 
heavy ordnance, commanded the entire passage of the latter river, and were 
so skilfully and judiciously placed, and so scientifically formed, as to sweep the 
whole stream to the extent of the range of the guns up and down the river 
and across to the apposite shore; indeed, everything that science could suggest, 
and labour accomplish in the time, appeared to have been done by the enemy 
so effectually to prevent any vessel passing up the river above their position. 
The banks for many miles were covered by dense date groves, affording the 
most perfect cover for riflemen, and the opposite shore, being neutral territory, 
(Turkish) was not available for the erection of counter-batteries. See rough 
sketch No. 8. 

4s. The accompanying rongh sketch will, I fear, give yonr Excellency hut 
a faint idea of the great strength of the Persian position, and the difficulty 
pf successfully attacking them in it without very considerable Joss. I could 
have landed my troops on the island of Abadan, which was strongly 
occupied by the Persians, and there is no doubt that, after defeating them, the 
southern battery eventually would have fallen to us; but the several batteries 
on the northern bank of the Karun commanded the entire southern bank, 
as wallas the stream of the Shatt-ul-Arab, and it would have been a serious 
and an extremely difficult operation to have crossed the rapid current of the 
Karun in the face of the enemy had the means existed of doing so, hut 
until our small steamers and boats could round the southern point and join us, 
we should have been helpless. See rough sketch No. 9 . 

5. After mature deliberation, I resolved to attack the enemy's batteries 
. with the armed steamers and sloops of war, and, so soon as the fire was nearly 

silenced, to pass up rapidly with the troops in small steamers towing boats, land 
the force two miles above the northern point, and immediately advance upon 
and attack the entrenched camp. * 

6. I have now the very great satisfaction of announcing to your Excellency 
the complete success of the first two operations, the third to the regret of the 
army being frustrated by the precipitate flight of the enemy. 

7. The Persian army, ascertained from creditable report to amount 

Cavalry, Irregulars 1,500 to 13,000 men of all arms, 

9 regiments. Regulars, 100 each .. 6,300 With d0 guns, was Com- 

Arabs and Bakhtians 4,600 rnanded by the Shahzadah, 

Guimers 600 Prince Khanlar Mirza, in 

Total ... ... 13.000 P erson * 


The British force under my 

Her Majesty’s 14th Dragoons ... 

Sind Horse « 

64th Foot •“ 

78th Highlanders 

25th Regiment Native Light Infantry 
26tli }, j> » » 

Light Battalion ... ^ 

Bombay Sappers and Miners 
Madras „ ,, 

f 3 Troop Horse Artillery... 
12 guns 4 No% a Li ht Field Buttery 


command, as per margin, was the utmost 1 
gg ^ deemed it prudent to with- 

303 > 393 draw from Bushire; but with 

704 \ the aid of four armed steam - 

^ * ' ers and two sloops of war 

716 1 2,385 4,886 to effect my landing, I felt 

920 ) confident of success, although 

1 P 9 1 233 I anticipated some loss from 

what I heard of the deter- 
176 > 343 J m ination expressed by the 

enemy to oppose our further 




' ■- ' , ■ ; ■ : ■ : . r ' 
V V ' ■ : , . ' .. ; : i . 

99 " ’ ■ ! " 

advance to the utmost of their power, and their extreme confidence of succeed- 
ing, as evinced by the fact of tbeir having sent away their baggage cattle. 

8. On the 24th instant, the steamers, with transport ships in tow, moved up 
the river to within three miles of the southern battery opposite the Arab 
village of Hartah; but as some of the large ships shoaled on the way, and 
did not reach the rendezvous until after dark, I was obliged to defer the 
attack for another day. During the night a reconnaissance was made in a boat 
to ascertain the nature of the soil of an island west of and immediately opposite 
the northern battery, where I wished to erect a mortar battery; bnt as it 
was found to he deep mud, I determined to place the mortars upon a raft ; 
this was constructed the following day under the superintendence of Cap- 
tain Rennie, i.n., and being armed with two 8" and two 5£" mor- 
tars, with a party of artillery under Captain Worgan, was towed by the 
steamer Comet, and moored in position close to the island during the night 
unobserved by the enemy, who from our preparation at the rendezvous, and 
their confidence as to the impossibility of any vessel being able to pass above their 
batteries, apparently expected we should land on the southern island (Abadan). 

The horses and guns of the artillery, a portion of the cavalry, and the 
infantry, were transhipped into boats and small steamers during the day in 
readiness for landing the following morning. 

9. At break of day on the 26th the mortars opened tbeir fire upon 
both the northern and southern batteries. The range of the 5| v proved 
too short, hut the 8" shells were very efficient, bursting immediately over 
and inside the enemy's works; whilst from the position -of the raft but 
few of the Persian guns could be brought to bear upon the mortars. At 7 
o'clock the several vessels of war moved up into the positions allotted them by 
Commodore Young, and by 9 o’clock the fire of the heavy batteries was so 
reduced that the small steamers, with boats in tow, and one large steamer, the 
Potlinger, towing the transport Golden Era, were able to pass up, and land 
the troops above the northern battery without a single casualty amongst 
the troops, although they had to run the gauntlet of both gun and musket fire; 
two or three native followers only were killed in consequence of their unneces- 
sarily exposing themselves. . 

10. By halfpast one o’clock the troops were landed and formed, and 
advanced without delay through the date groves and across the plain upon 
the entrenched camp of the enemy, who, without waiting for our approach 
fled precipitately, after exploding their largest magazine, leaving, as I have 
before stated, their tents and baggage, public and private stores, with several 
magazines of ammunition and sixteen guns behind. 

The want, of cavalry (only one troop of Sind Horse having been able to 
land in time) prevented my pursuing them as I could have wished, bnt I 
despatched a party of Sind Irregular Horse under Captain Malcolm Green 
to follow them up for some distance, this officer reported that he came upon 
their rear-guard, retiring in good order, hut that the road in many places was 
strewed with property and equipments. The loss of the Persians has been esti- 
mated at 200 killed, among whom was an officer of rank and es tim a ti o n , Brio-a- 
dier Agha Jan Khan, who fell in the northern battery. ° 

11. I beg to annex a report received from Commodore Young, with copy 
of a letter I had previously caused to be addressed to that officer expressing 
my entire satisfaction with, the naval operations; indeed, it was impossible for 
my instructions to have been more ably or more successfully carried out, and the 
Commodore and every officer and man under his command have nobly earned 







iiiM 











100 



my warmest thanks. Prom Commodore Young, ably seconded by Cantarn 
Rennie, and the other officers of the fleet and masters of transport I have 
throughout received every possible assistance. * 

12. With the exception of the artillery with the mountain battery under 
Captain W organ, no portion of the military force was actively engaged with 
the enemy beyond some European riflemen sent on hoard the war vessels : but 
I am not the less indebted to all for their exertions and. zeal, and especially 
for the great order and despatch with which the landing of the troops was 
effected under Brigadier- General Havelock, o.B. j the highest spirit prevailed, 
and had the large Persian army only awaited our approach out of the range of 
the ship s guns, I feel confident that it would have received a lasting lesson. 

13. From recent information I learn that the Persian force in a very disor- 
gamzed state is still infull retreat, and I proposed to despatch immediately up 
the Karan to Ahwaz three small armed steamers, with 100 European infantry 
“ ea T’ fr ^e purpose of making a reconnaissance, and, if practicable, effect- 
ing, the destruction of the magazines at that place. 

14. I take this opportunity of recommending to your Excellency’s notice 
Colonel lugard, o.B j., the Chief, and the several officers of my general and 
personal staff; the Brigadier-General, the Brigadiers, and their respective 
staff as also the officers commanding the several regiments, batteries and 
detachments of cavalry, and heads of departments composing this force 
upon whom much responsibility has devolved, and whose zeal and exertions 
throughout this expedition have been most praiseworthy. 

_ 15. To Captain Kemball, Bombay Artillery, Consul-General at Bahgdad, 

1 am much indebted for his very valuable assistance ; also to Major Taylor 
as well as to Lords Dunkellin, Seymour, and Schomberg Kerr, who volunteered" 
their services on my staff. 

Deputy Commissary-General reports that he proceeded to the town of 
Borasjan on the morning of the 7th instant, and removed from the Persian 
magazine the undermentioned Commissariat stores : 

. 5 ”? 

Bariev 2 - 907 

. . ::: ;;; ;;; lf Q l 

Since ascertained by actual weighing: *'* 9 

^ heat flour 10,000 

Bariev * "" "" "* *“ ••• 2,1000 

::: ::: ::: ::: ::: Jffi 

The whole of the above have been brought on or issued on the march 
with the exception of some rice, which was lost by the upsetting of the 'cart 
in which it was being conveyed. & 

Ko. 2692, dated April 1857. 

Extract from a letter from the Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army, to the General Officer 
Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. & 

* * * * * * 

The precipitate flight of the enemy and abandonment of their entrenched 
position and camp, leaving guns, ammunition, camp equipage, and public and 
private property, without an effort at resistance after the troops were landed 
speaks strongly against the probability of any future opposition in that 
quarter, and I am m great hopes that the report of your signal success at 



Muhammarah will hasten the Shah of Persia to ratify the treaty of peace 
which was signed by his Ambassador at Paris on the 3rd ultimo. 

Dated Ahwaz, 3rd April 1857. 

Despatch from— Acting- Commodoee J. Kennie, i.n.," Commanding Squadron in the 
Persian Gulf, 

To— The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 3 


On arrival near Ahwaz on the morning of the 1st instant, the Persian army 
was observed posted on a strong position on the right bank of the river, and 
having reason to believe that whatever force there might be on the left bank 
did not amount to such a number as would entail serious risk to our force, 
it was at once determined to carry Ahwaz. 

Our arrangements for attack were speedily completed, and by 10-30 a.m* 
Captain Hunt, his advance well flanked by the gunboats, moved off with bis 
gallant band of three hundred men, and in one hour and a half from the time 
of the gunboats opening fire he was in possession of Ahwaz ; and the Persian 
army, consisting of 6, 000 infantry, . 5 guns, and a cloud of Bakhtiari 
horsemen, were in full retreat upon Dizful, leaving in our possession one 
gun (a brass 14-pr. field piece), 154 stand of arms, 56 mules, 230 sheep, besides 
an enormous quantity of grain, wheat, and barley. 

Captain Kemball requested me to remain at Ahwaz for two days to afford 
him time to communicate with the Arab tribes, as also to ensure the ‘impossi- 
bility of the defeated Persians returning to Ahwaz ; they retired so precipitately 
as to have been unable to carry with them means of subsistence for more than 
two days. 

It would be presumptive in me to offer a remark on the gallantry and 
zeal of those serving with me. I shall therefore merely take the liberty of 
attaching a nominal list of the officers, with the number of men under their 
command, composing an expedition that penetrated over 300 miles bevond 
Muhammarah and which m so short a time compelled the Persian army to aban- 
don a depot of provisions on which it almost entirely depended for subsistence. 

In conclusion, I beg -to add that it is to Captain Kemball who planned 
and to Captain Hunt who executed, this bold stroke that thanks are more 
especially due. further comments from me are unnecessary. 

List of officers and men comprising the expedition to Ahwaz. 

Armed steamer “ Comet'* 

Commander Selby. 

2 acting Masters. 

1 1st class 2nd Master. 

1 Assistant Surgeon. 

21 seamen and 16 massulies. 

River steamer “Planet” 

2 acting Masters. 

6 Europeans and 13 lascars. 

River steamer “ Assyria ” 

2 acting Masters. 

5 Europeans and 12 Natives. 

IVo. 6 Gunboat . 

1 Lieutenant. 

1 Midshipman, 

16 seamen. 


I* 







. - : 


102 

No. 5 Gunboat. 

1 Mate. 

1 Midshipman. 

14 seamen. 

No. 9 Gunboat . 

1 Lieutenant. 

1 Midshipman. . 

14 seamen. 

Cutters. 

Falkland's. ‘ Feroze's. Assayes. 

1 Midshipman. 1 Midshipman. 1 Midshipman. 

11 men. ^ ^ 11 men. 9 men. 

Assistant Burgeon Asher, in medical charge of gunhoai and cutter from Feroze. 

Mr. Sims, 3rd class Gunner of Feroze 3 temporarily attached for the expedition to 
steamer Flanet. 


Wm 






iili 



Nominal Roll of Political and Staff Officers present with the detachment under Captain 
Hunt, 78fch Highlanders, in the advance upon Ahwas, 1st April 1857. 

Captain A. B. Kemball, Bombay Artillery, Resident in Turkish Arabia. 

Lord Schomberg H. Kerr, attached to Persian Mission. 

Captain J. Wray, Deputy Quarter Master General, Persian Field Force. 

Captain Malcolm Green, Sind Horse. 

Lieutenant Baigrie, Commissariat Department. 

Nominal Roll of Officers of detachment under the command of Captain Hunt, 78th 

Highlanders. 


Her Majesty's 64th Regiment 

Captain W. Goorle. 

Lieutenant G. H. T. Haldane. 
Ensign J. J. Pack. 

Assistant Surgeon E. L. Lundy. 


28th Highlanders . 

Captain G. H. Hunt. 

„ D. McAndrew. 
Lieutenant A. Cassidy. 

„ J.- Finlay. 

„ G. D. Barker* 


Detachments consisting of 300 men, being 150 from each of the above 
regiments. 

Dated Camp Mukammarak, 4th April 1857. 

Despatch from— L ieutenakt-Geneeal Sie J. Outeam, k.c.b., Commanding Persian 
Expeditionary Field Force, 

To— The Commander-in-chief, Bombay Army. 

In my despatch dated the 27th ultimo, I announced to your Excellency my 
intention of immediately despatching up the Karun river to Ahwaz an armed 
flotilla, being the only means I had of effecting a distant reconnaissance, owing 
to the total want of baggage cattle ; but as the steamers had to be coaled and 
seven days’ provisions for the troops put on hoard, whilst all were busily engaged, 
disembarking tents and stores from the transports, some little delay occurred, 
and it was not until the afternoon of the 29th that the party could be despatched, 
2. The flotilla I placed under the immediate command of Captain- Rennie, 
ijy aided by Captain Ivemball, Political Agent in Turkish Arabia, who zeaR 
ously undertook the political conduct of the expedition. Captain Hunt, 78th 
Highlanders, commanded the military detachment, and Captain Wray, Deputy 
Quarter Master General, and Captain Green, my Military Secretary, aeeomu 
panied the expedition for the purpose of reporting upon the country in the vici- 
nity of Ahwaz. 



SKETCH 
OF THE 

GROUND IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD 

0 F 

AHWAZ ON THE KARITN, 

Showing 1 the advance of the British Detachment, 
1st April 1857. 


t 

t 

/ 

/ 

/ 


/ 

/ 




I. B. September 1888. 
Exd. J.A.A 


(Sd.) J. WRAY, Captain t 
2-Jy . i^r. ^ r - Cent., P E . P ■ F. 



103 



My instructions to Captain Rennie were "to steam up to Ahwaz, and acf< 
“ with discretion according to circumstances. Should the Persian army have 
“ arrived and apparently be prepared to make a determined stand, the party was 
“ to return after effecting the reconnaissance; but in the event of the enemy hav- 
“ ing proceeded beyond Ahwaz, or if they continued their flight on seeing our 
“ steamers (as I fully expected they would under the impression that the flotilla 
“ was the advance guard of the British army), it was my desire that the party 
ft should land, and destroy the magazines and stores which the Persians had 
“ collected.” 

3. By the annexed reports from Captains Rennie and "Wray, which I have 

the honor to submit, your Excellency will learn how admirably my instructions 
have been carried out, and the complete success which has attended the ener- 
getic and judicious measures adopted by all concerned. Indeed, it is impossible 
to calculate upon the advantages which must ensue from the successful result 
of this expedition in the effect it will have upon the Arab tribes who in crowds 
witnessed the extraordinary scene of a large army of 7,000 infantry, with five 
or six guns,* and a host of cavalry precipitately retreating before a detachment 
of 300 British infantry, three small steamers, and three gunboats. See rough 
sketch No. 10. * 

4. I feel that I cannot sufficiently express to your Excellency the great 
obligation I am under to the several officers and men of the expedition. 

5. Captain Rennie, i.n., whose gallant conduct at the bombardment of 
Muhammarah I so recently recorded, has again earned highest praise and 
warmest thanks for the able manner in which he has conducted the expedition. 

6. Captain Kemball, who on this as on every occasion of difficulty and dan- 

ger upon which I have required his services has rendered me most valuable 
assistance, materially contributed to the success of the expedition by his coun- 
sel and energy. Great praise is also due to Captain Hunt, 78th Highlanders 
who so successfully carried out the military operations ; to Captain Wray* 
Deputy Quarter Master General, and Captain M. Green, my Military Secretary 
for the part they so ably performed, and to all the officers and men employed in ' 
the expedition. I have to thank them all, and beg to reeommeud those spe- 
cially named to your Excellency’s notice. v 


Dated Muhammarah, 5th April 1857. 

Despatch from -Captain J . Weat, Deputy Quarter Master General, Persian Expedi- 
tionary Field Force, 1 

To— The Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

The operations against the enemy were conducted as follows under the orders 
of Captain Rennie, i. n. 

At3i.il, 1st April, our little fleet left Kut-Umaira, an Arab village on 
the left bank, where we had remained during the night. Soon after davlio-ht 
we came m sight of Alnvaz, and found the Persian army collected behind a ridg-e 
on the right bank. Crowds of horsemen, apparently some guns on rid<m and 
infantry innumerable anchored at If miles below the place. Some horsemen 
came down, but a rifle shot sent them off at full gallop, and no one attempted 
to come very near again. r 

,, Heard from the Arabs that Ahwaz was not occupied, and that the troops 
that had been there had gone up the river the day before frightened by the 
appearance of the steamers, and that nothing remained now but thirty horsemen • 
that they had no means of crossing, except by two boats and two canoes It 
was therefore determined to land ail our party (300 men), advance up the left 
bank upon Ahwaz, and endeavour to destroy the enemy’s depfit of grain and 


# One or two guns said to have joined them at Ahwaz 


104 








ammunition ; and in the event o£ our finding* that we had been deceived, or that 
they were in force in the town, that we should turn our move into an armed 
reconnaissance ■ and return to our ships. 

Meanwhile we captured a bngla, lying under the left bank, with a brass 
£l-pr. gun, which was taken on board. 

At 11 a.m», the troops commenced landing, and advanced at once in three 
columns, covered by skirmishers, the whole party being extended in such a way 
that they looked like a large body of men. Captain Hunt, 78th Highlanders, 
commanded, and arranged it all. Left column consisted of the Light Company, 
7 8th Highlanders, divided into skirmishers and supports both in one rank. The 
remainder of the company in column of threes also in single ranks. The 61th 
Grenadiers and the other company, 78th Highlanders, formed centre and right 
column in the same way. 

Two gunboats were sent off in advance up the river, which took up position 
within shell range of the enemy's ridges, and opened fire. 

The enemy apparently had some guns in position on the ridge, but the 
moment the gunners made their appearance, the gunboats opened and drove 
them away; they consequently did not return a single shot, though they 
attempted a little musketry, which did no harm. In the meanwhile the troops 
pushed on, the Persians still collected, though in reduced numbers, on the 
opposite bank of the river, at about 1,000 yards from us. 

At 12- o’clock the troops approached the town, when the Arab Shaikh came 
out, tendered submission, and informed our party that the enemy were re- 
treating ; and with our glasses we saw a large army of 7,000 men, with a per- 
fect swarm of Bakhtiari horsemen, and 5 or 6 guns, retreating from a very 
strong position before a body of 300 infantry, three small river steamers, and 
three gunboats. 

The enemy retired in tolerable order, covered by their horse. The Shahzadak 
himself travelling in a green palanquin carriage, the wheel marks of which we 
had seen in the several encamping grounds on the river. 

The town was filled with dour, wheat, barley, &c. Fifty-five mules and a 
horse were also found, besides fourteen boxes of new flint muskets, Tower-mark, 
each containing ten. A party crossed the river, examined the enemy's camp, and 
set fire to the remains of their magazines. The Arabs had plundered it before 
we arrived, and had carried off the powder, ball ammunition, and muskets, the 
cases of which were found ; but the enemy had left a great quantity of loose shot 
on the ground also, which could not be destroyed or carried away. 

Thus ended a very successful day. It was expected that when our troops 
reached the town, the enemy would open fire with their guns from the ridge 
on the opposite bank, but that we should be able to hold our ground under 
cover of the houses and walls until all the stores were destroyed or carried off ; 
but in this little or no loss was anticipated ; and as the enemy were unable to 
cross the river, and it was known that they had never had more than 800 men 
in the town, there was no great risk incurred in the move. 

As it was, the enemy commenced their retreat exactly one hour from the 
time the first shell was fired from the gunboats. 


No. 2873, dated 20th April 1857. 

From — The Commander-in-Chief, Bombay Army, 

To — The General Officer Commanding Persian Expeditionay Field Force. 

Nothing can more clearly demonstrate the utter fear in which our united 
forces are held by the Persian army than the fact you have mentioned of 7,000 




•°£nn a c 5lost o£ cavall T> precipitately retreating- before 

300 British infantry, three small steamers, and thfee gu™ 

and destruction of their magazines of ordnance stores and 
Shah of p Ud ? a . n armymust also produce the best effect at 
at notUi m ±Urfcheranee of the desij ' e ° f our Government 


Extract fr.m demi-official letter from Brigadier-General Sib E. Lugged, c.b., dated 27th 

March 1858. 

There is no doubt of Muhammarah being our crowning victory and eh 

wLr^i“ l ““ rtotte Iodi “ N ”^ bot e “ 


1 AajUt “ .r en T' B ° mbay Am ^’ t0 the Seo «tavy to the Government of Bombay 
Military Department, No. 1598, dated Poona, 19th June 1858. 

■nveys the Commander-in-Chief s recommendation that the word “ Persia" 
W tf ° n the y. olol8 > standards, and appointments of the different corps 
m ° the expedition, with the addition of “ Raslnr ” and “ Khushab " to 
as may have been actually engaged in those actions. * 


* ■ 




APPENDIX B. 




, .. 


Extracts from Correspondence relating to the object and the plan 

OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND ITS CONDUCT. 

Extract from a letter from Captain Kemball, Resident at BnsMre, to Lord Elphinstone, Gov- 
ernor of Bombay=dated Bushire, 22nd March 1854. 

Bushire being the principal seaport of the country, and engrossing, as it 
does almost the whole of the trade with India, its occupation would be attend- 
ed of Course with a corresponding effect. The chief, it not the only, obstnc e 
to such a measure is the want of fresh water within the walls of the town; 
the position, otherwise, is admirably adapted for defence both to seaward and 
on the land side. It contains a thriving population, numbering from 20,000 to 
£5,000 souls; the inhabitants are inoffensive and unwarlike^ and nom it 0111 

influence could be exerted even to the gates of Shiraz. 

On reference to letters from my predecessor dated 1838, it will be seen 
that the force then present at Karachi (total number of troops of all ranks 
and arms, 561 ) was deemed inadequate to the enterprise ; and although I con- 
cur in opinion with Colonel Shiel, as recorded in a subsequent letter from the 
same officer, that a body of from 2,000 to 3,000 bayonets would amply suffice 
to capture the place and maintain its ground against any odds, I imagine 
that additional defence of the nature of field works, but of some extent, would 
still be necessary to preserve the communication with the wells outside. By 
means of a small steamer or other appliance, a supply of water for the troops 
could at all times be obtained from Kiiaraj, but it cannot, I think, be denied 
that a besieger in sufficient strength to invest the place and cope with the 
a-arrison in' the field, and who should even confine his operations to filling up 
the wells, would, during the hot season at least, reduce the inhabitants to much 
distress. That the difficulty referred to is not altogether insurmountable has 
in more than one instance been shown by sieges of some duration which 
Bushire has sustained consequent upon feudal broils with neighbouring tribes, 
or upon the unwilling allegiance formerly rendered by the hereditary Arab 
governors to the Persian Government authorities. The water m the wells ot 
the town, though brackish, loses in some measure this quality during the rainy 
season, and is then readily drunk by the lower orders . 

Tanks of which a number now exist, and for the construction ot which 
the nature of the soil is well adapted, might be multiplied under our Govern- 
ment to any extent; while on emergency the higher classes could provide 
themselves with water by sea at an expense somewhat in advance of. that at 
which it is now brought from the exterior. It should be borne in mind, too, 
that the garrison could always count upon succour from Bombay and Karachi, 

within a limited period. .. 

The accompanying rough sketch see page 7 1 presents at one view the outline 
of the fortress of Bushire as now existing. As from the citadel A on the left, 
and the bastion B and the battery C on the right, a cross fire could be brought 
to bear both within and without the main wall upon the only gate of the town, 
it is evident that, did we once obtain possession of those points, while at the 
same time we held command of the sea, the place must immediately capitulate. 




1,1 ** 


The attacking force then should, 1 conceive, be divided into three columns, each 
accompanied by two field guns, of which that of the centre should disembark 
at E and F on either Hank of the ruined outwork situated at the extreme 
point of the peninsula, and direct its march at once through* the town upon 
the land defences, while those of the right and left should effect their landing 
respectively — the one at D, where the ascent from the beach is "easy and gradual"; 

, the other at A, in front of the citadel. To ensure complete success, the presence 
of two river steamers, or rather of two vessels, of the class of the 
drawing* not more than 6 or 8 feet water, would be desirable, as their services 
would not only be available to transport the party destined to assail the citadel# ■ 
the gate of which they could easily demolish with their guns, but also in the 
first instance to cover the landing of the centre column, and keep down the 
lire of the bastion on either hand, which might otherwise be directed upon it. 
,i he capture .consecutively ■ of the bastions on the two sea fronts, though a work 
of no difficulty, would occupy time, tend to dissipate the forces unnecessarily, 
and be attended perhaps with increased bloodshed. Moreover, a well directed 
fire from two or three gunboats would render them untenable in. as many 
hours, and their demolition, if considered necessary, should of course precede 
the assault; but the operation must inevitably inflict much loss of life and 
property upon the helpless inhabitants, which it is the object of the proposed 
plan to avoid. 

’ I will not presume to offer any suggestions as to the defences requisite to 
protect the force now, it is to be presumed, encamped without the walls of the 
town, as ample time would be allowed to the engineers' and commanding 
officers to form their plans before any serious attempt could be made by the 
native authorities to dislodge it; but I may .venture to suggest that an ade- 
quate supply of entrenching tools should be provided to the expedition prior 
to its quitting the presidency. Neither cavalry nor mounted artillery, at least 
at the outset, would be required on this service. 

Harness for a field battery should be furnished from Bombay. Horses or 
mules could be procured on the spot. Any heavy guns temporarily required in 
the field works could, it is presumed, be supplied from the vessels of war, as 
well as men to serve them. 

Thus far 1 have assumed the coercion of the Persian Government by 
’means of a formidable demonstration to be alone contemplated; but if our 
object were to threaten the provinces in the interior, or if a chance existed of 
the expedition being opposed by other than the ill-equipped and undisciplined 
troops of Persia, I should be disposed to recommend the employment of a 
force sufficiently large to occupy the whole peninsula of Bushire, extending 
thence to the village of Hall la, rather than the town alone. 

The tract in question exhibits the form of an irregular triangle, of which 
two sides, the longest 12 or 18 miles, and shortest 4 or 5 miles, border upon 
the sea, and the third, 9 or 10 miles, abuts throughout more than half its 
length in high precipitous cliffs upon a marshy plain, stretching inland a dis- 
tance of 4 or 5 miles, and itself bounded, on the one hand, by the bar of Bushire ; 
on the other, by a creek which runs in from the bay of Halila. Beyond this 
plain, the country for an equal extent is a sandy desert, thus making up a space 
of not less than 9 miles to be travelled over before w T ater is procurable; and 
even at that limit the supply is most scanty, and of inferior quality. 

The accompanying rough sketch (see page 61) may convey some idea of the 
country described, though I should observe it by no means correctly represents 
the general outline, which, whether on the sea or land fronts, being everywhere 




108 




, 

1 


; 


|P 






irregular, must be surveyed to be properly delineated ; such, however, seems to 
me to be the strength of the position, that were the heights between A and 
B crowned with batteries, where required, the gently sloping ground at either 
extremity covered with forts, and the defences of the town and old Dutch 
fort sufficiently strengthened to convert them into places of arms, it might, 

I conceive, if adequately garrisoned, be rendered impregnable to any army 
that could.be brought against it. 

Your Lordship will observe that it possesses a long sea board accessible to 
shipping at every material point ; that the plain on the land side, apart from 
the absence of fresh water, is hardly of a nature to admit of a besieger's push- 
ing his attack by regular approaches * and, moreover, did he even succeed in 
gaining a footing on the table land, his position would not be tenable, nor 
could he approach or enter upon the siege of the town until he had reduced 
the outworks to which I have alluded. On the other hand, the space defined is 
sufficiently ample to afford a secure asylum to a retreating army, or to admit 
of any army being assembled within its limits without risk of molestation. 
To these advantages may be added the situation of Bushire with respect both 
to Bombay and the river Euphrates, as well as being opposite to a harbour 
(howbeit a nominal dependency of Turkey) on the Arabian coast, and where 
the largest ships of the Indian Navy, as well as transports in any number, 
might ride in safety. In a political point of view, the possession of Bushire 
would place in our hands the complete control of the coast up to the base of 
the hills (for the most part inhabited by Arab tribes little affected to their 
Persian masters) from the Karun to Bandar Abbas. 

* & * * * * * 

The force necessary to maintain such a position as that I have endeavoured 
to describe must doubtless be large, and should not, I am of opinion, fall short 
of 5,000 men; nor, on the other hand, could the requisite defences be raised 
without a very considerable expenditure. 

Memorandum regarding Bushire , Sfc^ Sfc^ by Colonel Hennell , late JResident, Persian 

Gulf \ October 1856 . 

I assume that an expedition to the Persian Gulf has been decided on, 
and, in compliance with the request of Colonel Sykes, I proceed to offer a few 
remarks on what I conceive would be the best mode of employing this force 
with a view to inducing the Shall to withdraw his troops from Herat. 

The former expedition to the Gulf in 1838, having in view the same 
object as the present one, merely occupied the island of Kharaj. This measure 
was quite successful owing to the exaggerated reports which reached the King 
of the extent of the military and naval forces sent from India. 

Under the alarm that a formidable invasion of the south of Persia 
was contemplated by the British Government, His Majesty raised the siege 
of Herdt, and returned to Tihran. He was, however, known to have after- 
wards expressed his deep vexation at having been induced to relinquish a prey 
which he considered within his grasp by such a paltry demonstration. The 
mere occupation of Kharaj would not therefore, I conceive, now accomplish 
the object in view. A blockade of the ports on the Persian coast would be 
equally ineffective. All the loss and damage arising from such a measure 
would fall upon the merchants and local authorities ; but these are so far re- 
moved from the seat of Government' that any injury inflicted upon them 




IHNfi 











' 109 

would be treated with indifference at Tihran, as affecting any measure of im- 
portance, such as giving up its views upon Herat. Of course, in weighingth® 
effects of any demonstration made in the Persian Gulf, the Court of Tihraa 
will be greatly influenced by the opinion of the Foreign envoys, and, unless 
these are satisfied that something serious is intended, their advice may prob- 
ably confirm the Persian Government in its resistance. 

Under these circumstances, I consider that the occupation of Bushire, in 
addition to Kharaj, would be necessary to afford any prospect of inducing the 
Shah to raise the siege of Herat. 1 do not think that such a measure would 
inflict any serious loss upon the revenues of the Persian Government, but the 
moral effect would be great. The Bandar-i-Abushahar is known through- 
out Persia as the principal seaport of the kingdom, and its occupation by a 
foreign force would be severely felt. In taking possession of this town, it 
must, however, be borne in mind that no fresh water is procurable within the 
walls, the place being wholly dependent in this respect upon the wells outside. 
It would consequently be absolutely necessary that an invading force should 
occupy the plain beyond the defences as far as the wells. Those nearest the 
town are within half a mile, but the supply is scanty and bad. Water of much 
better quality, and in sufficient quantity for the use of a large force would be 
found at Jufra, about li miles distant from Bush ire. From this spot, marked 
A in the accompanying rough sketch No. 5 (drawn from recollection), to that 
marked B on the backwater on the east, is a line of about miles. The 
deep backwater on the one side and the sea on the other would cover both 
flanks, while a few pit works, armed with artillery thrown up in the interval, 
and covering a force of 5,000 men, would be sufficient against any army the 
Persians would bring into the field. I would venture to suggest that a few 
pieces of heavy ordnance to be placed in position, where 'required, should 
accompany the expedition. If cavalry be sent, European Dragoons and 
Jacob's Sind Horse would be found the most effective. 

The climate of Bushire is exceedingly salubrious, and, excepting the few 
days of the stormy and boisterous weather which generally accompanies the 
first fall of rain in November, is cool and bracing from that month to March. 
Judging, however, from the experience of Kharaj, it would be necessary 
during the hot months of June, July, August, and September to keep the 
Europeans in barracks or houses. In that island the mortality during the sum- 
mer under tents was 8 per cent., in mat erections 2 per cent., and barracks nil. 

The means of subsisting a large force in the Persian Gulf has always pre- 
sented great difficulties. With the exception of a few bullocks and goats 
from Mascat and Bahrain, nothing in the shape of provisions is procurable 
from the Aiahian coast j a few sheep and a small quantity of g’rain, might be 
obtained from the Persian ports below Kangun ; while in Bushire stores of 
com to some extent might be found, although these would probably be in 
some measure exhausted by the extensive exportations which usually take place 
during the summer months. 

Wheat is sometimes to be procured at Mashhur, the seaport of K'ab. A 
large quantity of grain is also exported from Bandar Rig, a small town 
on the coast, about 80 miles to the noith of Bushire, and which with a view 
to the collection of supplies, both of sheep and corn, it might perhaps be 
worth while to occupy. During the cold season the IKyats or nomad tribes 
of Ears bring their flocks into the low country for pasturage, and unless the 
Persian Government takes effectual means for cutting off the communication 
with the coast, they will gladly avail themselves of any opportunity of 










no 


•I 

111 


| 


disposing of them. Our reputation for liberal and regular payments was so well 
established during our occupation of Kharaj, that I have no doubt the tribes 
in the neighbourhood of Bushire will use every endeavour to sell us their dis- 
posable produce. No sentiment of patriotism will ever prevent a Persian from 
making money even through an enemy, if he can do so without risk. 
Bassorah, I do not think, could furnish supplies; but a considerable quantity 
of grain might perhaps be collected in Baghdad, and towed down in native 
boats by the Nitocris to Basso rah, and there embarked on board a sea steamer 
for Bushire. : . ■■ . 

The question of the supply of carriage is as difficult as that of provisions. 
It is to be presumed that the Persian Government will occupy the low country 
and the mountain passes between the coast and Shiraz, and this will, I fear, 
prevent the collection of the mules and camels which might otherwise be pro- 
curable. A few camels might be obtained from K/ab and the Arabian coast, 
while a large number of mules might be collected at Baghdad by the Resident, 
and sent down the river to Bushire. 

An advance on Shiraz should, I venture to think, only be contemplated 
under the failure of all other modes of coercing the Persian Government. 
To say nothing of the great difficulty of transporting artillery and forcing the 
ioiah or mountain passes, the climate of Shiraz is, to Europeans espe- 
cially, most unhealthy, so much so, that the spring and summer months would, 
I doubt not, send two-thirds of any force into hospital, while the mortality 
would be fearful. On the other hand, such is the hatred entertained by the 
inhabitants of Ears to their rulers on account of the tyranny and exactions of 
the latter, that 1 should not be surprised were such an advance to revolutionize 
the whole of the province, particularly if the invading force were accompanied 
by one of the exiled princes of the Shabds family now residing at Baghdad. 

Should any additional troops be required to garrison the places in rear of 
an advancing army, I have reason to believe that the Arabs of Koweit on the 
Arabian coast would willingly take temporary service with us, and their 
fidelity might, I think, be depended upon. 

It is now nearly five years since 1 quitted the Persian Gulf; and as I write 
from recollection and without any documents to refer to, I trust I may be 
somewhat excused for the crude and scanty nature of the remarks now sub- 
mitted. 

P.$. — It will be observed from the accompanying sketch {see page 61) that 
Bushire stands upon the northern end of a peninsula of about 1 1 miles in length 
and 3| at its greatest width, formed by Halila Bay to the south, the sea to the 
west, and the breakwater to the east. This last terminates in what i$ called 
a * musftecla, 9 or marsh, of about 6 miles wide, which extends to Halila Bay, 
and during the cold months, particularly after high tides, is almost impassable, 
excepting at a few points ; but in the summer the centre portion is nearly 
dried up. The rocky ridge, running almost parallel with the marsh, commands 
the greatest part of it, while room for the cultivation of grain and the pas- 
turage of flocks would be found within the limits above specified. It may, 
perhaps, be a question worth consideration whether the occupation of the 
whole of this peninsula would not probably produce a more serious impression 
on the Court of Tihran than only taking possession of Bushire and its imme- 
diate vicinty. 

Will you have the goodness to inform Colonel Sykes, the Chairman, that, in 
speaking in my memorandum of the insalubrity of Shiraz during the summer 
months, I omitted to mention that from December to April, that place is 



tolerably healthy, although exceedingly cold even to Europeans. There is, how- 
ever, a village called Dushakh, about 14 miles from Shiraz, which is noted for i W 
salubrity even during the worst season at the latter city audits neighbourhood* 
I may also add that, with the exception of Cbahkuta, Khan-i-Takht, and 
Kazran, all other stages (or trimuzik) on the route from Bushire to Shiraz 
are unhealthy during the summer months. 


From Government of India, Foreign Department, to the Secretary to the Government of 
Bombay, Secret Department, — No. 37, dated Bombay, 3rd September 1858* 

Communicates the amount and nature of the force which, in the opinion 
of the Government of India, should be at once prepared for operations in the 
Persian Gulf, and states that the Secret Committee name the occupation of 
Kharaj and of the district of Bushire as the objects of the expedition. 

Remarks that the seizure of Kharaj will not produce the same effect now 
as it did on a former occasion, when the presence of 900 men with four guns 
sufficed to obtain satisfaction from the Government of Tihran. 

States that Government are aware that the Persians will abandon Kharaj 
without resistance, and that the Shah professes indifference even to our occupa- 
tion of Bushire ; but that, nevertheless, the possession of Kharaj is indispens- 
able to a British force holding Bushire, if it were only to secure an unfail- 
ing supply of good water. 

Remarks that the term ic District of Bushire " may be understood to mean 
as much of the surrounding country as it may be convenient to occupy ; and 
upon this point the annexed extract gives full information. States that, accord- 
ing to the disposition of the Persian army in May last, as reported by Her 
Majesty's Consul at Tihran, the whole province of Pars, which includes 
Bushire, Shiraz, and Bandar Abbas, contained only 5,003 troops; but 
that although this makes it very improbable that our occupation will be 
seriously contested, the Governor-General does not think the force sent should 
be limited to the bare number sufficient to take and keep possession of the 
town of Bushire, but should be sufficiently large to indicate that something 
further is contemplated to keep the communications open, and to give pro- 
tection to friendly inhabitants. 

With this view the Governor-General is of opinion that the force should 
consist of 5,000 men ; that it should include one European regiment, a small 
body of cavalry (400 would be amply sufficient), one troop of horse artillery, 
one' light field battery, and two companies of sappers. 

Adds that the Governor-General leaves the composition of the force in 
other respects tojffie Government of Bombay. 


Dated Fort William,® 1st November 1856. 

Proclamation %— G. F. Edmonstone, Esq., Secretary to the Government of India, 
Foreign Department. 

The Right Hon'ble the Governor-General of India in Council having, un- 
der instructions from Her Majesty's Government, directed the assemblage of 
a British Force at Bombay for service in the Persian Gulf, deems it proper to 
make known the reasons which have rendered this measure necessary. 


m 



la the month of January 1853, certain articles of agreement were conclud- 
ed between Lieutenant-Colonel Sheil, Her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary 
and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of the Shah of Persia and His 
Highness the Sadr Azina, or Prime Minister of the Persian Government. 

By those articles the Persian Government engaged not to send troops to 
Herat on any account, unless foreign troops, that is, troops from the direc- 
tion of Kabul or Kandahar, or other foreign country, should invade Herat. 
In the event of troops being sent, the Persian Government engaged that the 
said troops should not enter the city of Herat, and that on the return of the 
foreign troops towards their own territory, the Persian troops should be imme- 
diately withdrawn from the neighbourhood of Herat to Persian soil 

The Persian Government also engaged to abstain from all interference 
whatsoever in the internal affairs of Herat, whether “ in taking possession, or 
occupying, or assuming the sovereignty, or governing, except in so far as in- 
terference existed between the two parties during the life-time of the late Yar 
Muhammad.” 

And, lastly, the Persian Government engaged to relinquish all pretension 
to, and demand for, the coinage, or the reading of the kkitbak> or any other 
acknowledgment of allegiance or subjection, on the part of the people of Herat 
to the Government of Persia. 

It was, at the same time, stipulated that, so long as there should be no in- 
terference of any sort whatever on the part of the British Government in the 
affairs of Herat, the engagements contracted by the Persian Government, as 
aforesaid, should remain in full force and effect. On the other hand, it was 
agreed, in the name of the British Government, that “ if any foreign power, 
such as the Afghans or others,” should wish to interfere with or to take pos- 
session of Herat, the British Government, on the requisition of the Persian 





only have Persian troops invaded the territory of Herat, although the contin- 
gency which alone conld justify such an act has not come to pass, hut they 
lave laid siege to the city, and have interfered in its internal affairs, while the 
Government of Tihran has not only assumed the right to nominate the ruler 
of Herat, but, in addressing the present chief of the city, has declared Herat 
to he Persian soil. 

The siege of Herat has now been carried on by the Persian army for many 
months. Before its commencement, and during its progress, the unfriendly 
sentiments of Persia towards the British Government have been scarcely veiled, 
and recently the movements of troops in different parts of Persia have 
indicated a determination to persist in an aggression which is as unprovoked 
as it is contrary to good faith. 

The conduct of the Persian Government has been pronounced by Her 
Majesty's Government to constitute an act of open hostility against Great 
Britain. Reparation has been sought, but without success. The withdrawal 
of the Persian troops from the neighbourhood of Herat to Persian soil has 
been demanded as a preliminary to the adjustment of differences to which 
the acts of Persia alone have given rise ; but the demand has been evaded, and, 
according to the most recent accounts, a Persian army still invests Her fit. 

Friendly remonstrance having failed, and a reasonable requisition having 
been rejected or put aside, it becomes incumbent on the British Government 
to take measures, by which the Persian Government shall be convinced that 
solemn engagements contracted with Great Britain may not be violated with 
impunity, and by which effectual guarantees against continuous breach of faith 
shall be secured. 

To this end, a force has been directed to assemble at Bombay, and will 
embark as soon as the necessary arrangements shall have been completed. 
The further operations of the force, after it shall have reached the Persian 
Gulf, will be guided by such instructions as the progress of events and the 
policy of the British Government, may demand. 

Bv order of the Riffht Hon'ble the Governor-General of India in Council. 



majesty’s Indian territories, sliall be 
. to discharge her'cargo, and afterwards 
and that any such vessel, if met at sea 


for any port or place in any of Her I 
permitted to enter sueh port or place an 
forthwith to depart without molestation, — . 

by any of the ships of the Indian Navy, shall be permitted to pursue her voyage. 

The Right Hou’ble the Governors in Council of Madras and Bombay, the 
Hon’ble the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, the Governor of Straits Settle- 
ments, the Commissioners of Pegu and of the Tenassenm and Martaban 
Provinces, and all officers and authorities, whom it may concern, m Her Majes- 
ty’s Indian territories under the Government of the Last India Company, 
are required to give the necessary directions herein as to them may respec- 

tlVe By a order of' the Right Hon’ble the Governor-General of India in Council. 

«t Dated Fort William, 1st November 1856. 

Proclamation. by-G. F. Edmonstone, Esq., Secretary to the Government of India, 
Foreign Department. 

The Rio-lit Hon’ble the Governor-General of India in Council, being desir- 
ous that the hostile operations now about to be undertaken against Persia, 
should be attended with as little injury as possible to individual interest., is 
pleased to notify that all subjects of the Shah of Persia residing within Her 
Majesty’s Indian territories under the Government of the East India Com- 
pany, and not being Consuls or Consular Agents in the service of the Persian 
Government, may continue to reside therein without molestation in respect 
of their persons, their property, or their lawful avocations ; and that they wi 
enjoy protection so long as they shall abstain from all acts hostile to the 
British Government, and shall observe due obedience to the laws under which 
they live, and to all resolutions or orders of the Governor-General of India 

m (Muuu^ ^ tJie Rigbfc Hon’ble the Governor-General of India m Council. 

No. 79, dated Bombay, 1st November 1856. 

From — The Secretary to tbe Government of India, Foreign Department, 

To— The Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Secret Department. 

Conveys the following remarks and orders in regard to the object and the 
conduct of the operations about to be undertaken. • 

The Governor in Council has reason to know that nearly all the prelimi 

nary arrangements for the embarkation of the force are comp e ® 

indulges the hope that the Government of Bombay will have acted upon ti 
instructions which will have reached it direct, and that within fourteen days 
from this time the whole force will have left the presidency. 

The first objeet of the expedition has been prescribed by the _ Hon bie the 
Secret Committee to be the seizure of the island of Kbaraj, and of the 
town and district of Bushire on the mainland. I he military and naval 
operations by which this shall be effected may he left to the General who shall 
be appointed to command the land forces, and to the officer of the Indian Navy 
who shall he selected by the Government of Bombay to have charge o 
naval part of the expedition. These officers will have been furnished or will 
now be furnished, by the Government of Bombay with all the information 
which has been collected as to the points of attack and the measures best 

calculated to secure the object in view. . „ ,, „„ • 

But assuming that, with the large means at the disposal of the ofiieeis m 
command, that objeet will be readily accomplished, there are some pom s 
unon which it is desirable that the views of the Government of India should 





Should a summons to the Governor of Bushire to surrender the town be 
rejected, it will be desirable that possession of the place should be obtained, 
not only with as little loss of life, but, having regard to the future, with as 
little injury to property as possible. 

There is scarcely anything in the nature of State property in Bushire or its 
neighbourhood. Some stores of ammunition and grain are probably all that 
come within that category. It is believed that public buildings belonging to 
the State, and even barracks, are altogether wanting: certainly they are so 
few and insignificant as not to be worth taking into account ; and, therefore, any 
injury done to the town will fall upon private persons, and every endeavour 
must be used to render it as light as possible, consistently with the avoidance 
of all failure or cheek. It is the desire of the Governor-General in Council 
not only that the inhabitants and merchants of the town should not suffer 
unnecessarily afc our hands, but that they should understand from the beginning 
that it is our intention to encourage trade to the utmost, and to leave pace- 
ful intercourse and avocations undisturbed. 

The extent of ground to be occupied beyond the walls of the town will be 
determined by the General in command mainly upon military considerations ; 
but considerations of health also must be taken carefully into account, and on 
this head the experience of Dr. Macalister, Civil Surgeon of Bushire, should be 
consulted. 

Immediately from the first occupation of the town, the chief authority, 
military, political, and civil, will rest with the General in command. The 
Governor-General in Council has confidence in the discipline and orderly 
demeanour of the Bombay Army, but be cannot impress too strongly upon 
Major-General Stalker the importance of taking every precaution that the 
intercourse of the troops with the inhabitants of the town, and the people 
generally, shall be such as to give confidence and encouragement to these 
latter, and that it shall be marked by fair and liberal dealing, kind treatment, " 
and a ready attention to and redress of grievances. This applies equally to 
all, whether foreign residents, Arabs and natives of the town or of the coast, 
or Persian subjects from the interior. 

The functions of Commander Jones as Resident will have ceased, and he 
will have withdrawn from Bushire on the first declaration of hostilities; but 
that officer's experience of the country and knowledge of the people will be of 






This must be done mainly by the Commissariat] Department, but the 
General in command will have to consider how to contribute to it by fiscal or 
other arrangements at Bushire. The customs duties levied in the town, 
though arbitrary and unequal, and varying with the notion of the resident 
merchants, or of the importers from whom they are taken, are believed to be, 
on the whole, light. It will be a question whether they should not be reduced 
still lower to a general and nominal rate, or even altogether relinquished for a 
time. In this matter it will be necessary for Major-General Stalker to act 
upon his own judgment in the first instance. 

As no Persian officer of higher authority than the Governor of Bushire is 
usually present in that part of the country, it is not probable that any over-, 
tures or communications of a political character will be addressed to the 
General in command of the force. 4 . . 

But if anything of this kind should be received by him, he will refer it to 
the Government of Bombay for communication to the Governor-General in 
Council, making no change meanwhile in his position at Bushire. 

The Governor-General in Council is not aware that any further instruc- 
tions are required at present. His Lordship is confident that Major-General 
Stalker will conduct the operations with which he has been entrusted with 
energy, discretion, and success, and that he may rely upon receiving from the 
Government of Bombay all the advice, assistance, and co-operation which it 
can afford. 

Basidu was ordered to be carefully protected, it being useful as a port of 
call and coaling station. 

No. 180, dated Bombay, 11 tn November 1856. 

Prom — H. L. Anderson, Esq., Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Secret 
Department, 

To — Tbe Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department. 

Acknowledges receipt of letter on the subject of the selection of Bandar 
Abbas as the rendezvous of the British forces intended to operate against 
Persia, and states in reply that the objection against this arrangement men- 
tioned by the Government of India appears to be equally applicable to Basidu, 
since His Highness the Imam of Mascat also holds from the Persian Govern- 
ment the island of Kishm on which Basidu is situated on terms similar to 
those on which lie occupies Bandar Abbas. 

Intimates that the Government does not deem it at all probable that the 
authorities either of Kishm or of Bandar Abbas will raise any objection on 
behalf of the Imam to the assemblage of the British fleet in their road- 
steads, and the arrangement could not fairly be made a ground of complaint 
by Persia against His Highness, he having received no previous notice of the 
intention of the British Government to assemble its forces in the vicinity of 
Bandar Abbas, and being manifestly not in a position to oppose the arrange- 
ment, even if he had the inclination to do so. 

States that a considerable number of steamers and transports had, before 
receipt of Government of India letter, left for Bandar Abbas, and it would, 
therefore, be impracticable now to alter the rendezvous. 

Adds that copies of the Government of India Proclamations have been 
addressed to the Imam, showing that hostilities against his territories are not 
contemplated; and as he is now at Zanzibar, these will be forwarded to his son, 
fSayyid Soweyni, the Governor of Mascat. 






117 ^ ^ 


From the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Secret Department, to General OSfoel 
Commanding Persian Expeditionary Field Force, — No, 477, dated Bombay , 1 lth Novem- 
ber 1856, 

Forwards instructions o£ the Governor-General in Council relative to 
the expedition, and requests him to address all correspondence connected with 
the political complications which may arise on the occupation of Bushire to 
the Secret Department, and all correspondence connected with discipline and 
interior economy to the head-quarters of the army. 

Intimates that Commander Jones, the present Resident in the Persian 
Gulf, will be instructed to place his services at the General's disposal as Politi- 
cal Agent, and authorizes him to expend such sums as secret service money 
as may seem to be necessary in order to conciliate the various tribes around 
Bushire. 

. 

From the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Secret Department, to Rear-Admiral 
Commanding Naval Foree, Persian Gulf Expedition, — No. 480, dated Bombay 11th 
November 1856. j > 

Intimates that the Governor-General in Couneil has stated that the first 
object prescribed for the expedition is the seizure of the island of Kharaj and 
of the town and district of Bushire on the mainland, and that the military and 
naval operations by which this object is to be effected are to be left to the 
guidance of General Stalker and the Admiral. 

Points out that if a summons to the Government of Bushire to surrender 
the town should be rejected, it will be necessary that possession of the place 
be obtained with as little loss of life, and, having regard to the future, with as 
little injury to property as possible. Adds that on the occupation of the town 
the chief authority will devolve on General Stalker, and requests him to co- 
operate heartily with the General in the performance of his important duties. 

Foreign Office Despatch to the Board of Control,— dated 19th November 1856.’ 

States that the withdrawal of Her Majesty's mission from Persian territory 
renders it expedient that Sir James Outram should be entrusted, if necessary, with 
the conduct of any negotiations. Remarks that General Outram will receive 
instructions for his guidance in his military capacity from the Government of 
India, but that Her Majesty's Government consider it desirable that he should 
he apprized that the measures of coercion they have had recourse to are to be 
strictly limited to bringing the Persian Government to take a just view of its 
position, and renounce for the future schemes of aggrandisement hostile to 
England, and to adopt a more becoming line of conduct towards Her Majes- 
ty's mission at the Court of the Shah, J 

Points out that Her Majesty's Government do not seek to subvert the 
dynasty of the Shah, or to encourage rebellion, &e.; but they would not hesitate 
to avail themselves of the aid of independent tribes. 

Remarks that Sir J. Outram will have been fully informed of the particu- 
lars of the rupture, and that he will have seen that the reparation and security 
to be obtained are twofold in their character. * 

“ The most important point by far, unquestionably, is to put an end to the 
ambitious projects of Persia in the direction of Afghanistan, and so to 
if oktaan security from foreign aggression for the countries bordering on British 
India. Besides this condition sine qua non , it is a matter of great moment 
“ with a view to the permanence of friendly relations between the British and 
‘Persian Govei'mnents, and to the discouragement of attempts which might 
be made af Tihram to produce distrust and dissension between the two 
countries, that the Persian Government should be made to feel that it cannot 










r 






?r with impunity show disrespect to the British Minister, or infringe upon the 
-rights and privileges of British subjects, and refuse to do justice to their well- 
-founded claims.” 

Points out that Sir J. Outram will learn by telegraphic despatch of 25th 
October, and communication delivered by Her Majesty's Ambassador to the 
Persian Charge d’Affaires at Constantinople, the nature of the reparation with 
which Her Majesty's Government were then disposed to be satisfied. 

Since that time, however, the British Government has been repeatedly in- 
sulted and British subjects wronged, and for all these acts some public redress 
must be given by the Court of Persia. 

States that Mr. Murray will be instructed to communicate any informa- 
tion be possesses to Sir J. Outram, and that Her Majesty's Ambassador at Con- 
stantinople will be directed to discontinue his communications with the Persian 
authorities, who must address themselves to Sir J. Outram, the sole direction 
of all military and political questions as regards Persia having been exclu- 
sively confided to him. 

Foreign Office Despatch to Viscount Stratford de Redeliffe, — dated 19tli November 1856. 
Remarks that nothing having been heard from him since the 3rd instant? 
It is concluded that he has not arranged terms with the Persian Ambassador. 
Informs him that the direction of all negotiations has been confided to Sir J. 
Outram. Therefore instructs him to break off any negotiation in which he 
maybe engaged, unless there is a prospect of its being brought to an immediate 
and satisfactory conclusion. 

Conditions imposed on the Persian Government. 

The Sadr-i-Azam to write in the Shah’s name a letter to Mr. Murray 
expressing his regret at having uttered and given currency to the offensive 
imputations upon the honor of Her Majesty’s Minister requesting to with- 
draw his own letter of 19th November and the two letters of the Minister 
for Foreign Affairs of 26th November, one of which contains a rescript from 
the Shahrespecfcing the imputation upon Mr. Murray, and declaring in the 
same letter that no such further rescript from the Shah as that enclosed here- 
with in copy was communicated, directly or indirectly, to any foreign Mis- 

S1 ° n A^opvof this letter to be communicated officially by the Sadr-i- Azam 
to each of the Foreign Missions at Tihrau, and the substance of it to be made 

PUb Thrortgilnetter to be conveyed to Mr. Murray at Baghdad by the 
hands of some high Persian officer, and to he accompanied by an invitation 
to Mr. Murray in the Shah’s name to return with the Mission to Tihran, or 
His Majesty’s assurance that he shall be received with all the honors and 

consideration due to the representative of the British (government another 

person of suitable rank being sent to conduct him as Mehmandah on his 

3 ' 0U mT Murray* omLppr caching the capital, to he received by persons of high 
rank deputed to escort him to his residence in the town. . 

Immediately on his arrival there, the Sadr-i-Azam to go m state ^ to the 
British Mission, and renew friendly relations wil-h Mr. Murray leaving the 
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to accompany him to the Boyal Palace, 
the Sadr-i-Azam receiving Mr. Murray and conducting him to the presence 
of the Shah. At noon on the following day, the British flag to be hoisted 



immediately afterwards, which Yisifc Mr* Murray will return at latest on the 
following day before noon* 

Satisfaction being thus given and friendly relations restored, the settlement 
of the questions of Herat, of Mirza Hashim, and of his wife remains to he 
stated. 

Should Herat be occupied by the Shah’s troops. His Majesty to engage 
r? withdraw them without delay. Should that city be in any way menaced* 
though not occupied by the Shah’s troops. His Majesty to engage not to 
allow them to occupy it on any account ; in either ease the engagement 
teng solemnly given. The British Mission to defer to His Majesty’s wish, 
if renewed, respecting Mirza Hashim by not insisting on his appointment 
at Shiraz ; the Mirza s wife, however, to be restored to him, and himself to 
eD i°3' t the security, emoluments, and position offered by the- 
ment m a former stage o£ the question. 

The whole of the correspondence respecting Mirza Hashim may then be 
mutually withdrawn and cancelled, it being understood that no objection 
mil be made by the Persian Government to the appointment, as heretofore, 
of a British correspondent at Shiraz till that and other matters can be finally 
arranged by a suitable convention. . J 


Secret Despatch from the Board of Directors, Hon’ble East India Company, to the Governor of 
Bombay m Council,— No. 1685, dated London, 19th November 1856. 

The Board deem it advisable that the expedition should be commanded by 
an officer who can also be implicitly entrusted with the important duty of 
conducting the negotiations which, it is hoped, will speedily follow the mili- 
tary demonstrations. Their choice has fallen on Sir James Outram, and the 
Queen has been pleased to grant him the local rant of Lieutenant-General. 
States that General Outram has received full instructions, and it is hoped that 
every assistance will be afforded to him in the constitution of his staff and 
with respect to his allowances, &c. 


Secret Despatch from the Board of Directors, Hon’ble East India Company, to the Governor 
of Bombay in Council, — No. 1690, dated London, 24th November 1856. 

If the occupation of Bushire should not at once have the effect of 
inducing the Sliah to express his readiness to' withdraw all pretension to 
sovereignty over any portion of Afghanistan (and the most recent advices from 
Imran represent him as boasting that he was unshaken in his designs for the 
annexation of Herat), it will, in the opinion of Her Majesty’s Government 
be necessary to threaten, at any rate, an advance into the interior of the 
country. 

2. Sanitary considerations would also render it advisable not to retain 
the European portion of the troops in 
a view, therefore, I 

think that we must, at as early a date as 
of Shustar on the river Karun. 

, 3 - In order to maintain the menace above mentioned, it will be advisable 

to keep adding by degrees to our force in the Persian Gulf. 

4. Her Majesty’s Government believe, moreover, that to occupy Shustar 
would very much facilitate the organization of the Arab levies, for whose 
services, if hostilities are prolonged, we shall have continued need. 


the neighbourhood of Bushir 
both to strategy and to health, Her Majesty’s Go 
maybe practicable, take t 



' ^ ^ V; '• * V”"*' ' * • '* ' ■• •• ' • ■■. ■■"■v.-' i 

But for the purpose of occupying Bushire and Shuster, of threaten- 
aS and Isfahan, and of keeping open the communications of the 
a considerable addition to the British troops is requisite. Lieutenant- 
. Qutram calculated the necessary addition at net less than 
of native infantry, with some artillery, and at least one 
’ v The cavalry are, according to his judgment, 

, force essentially necessary in themselves, but as a 
•* , larger body of horsemen to be raised on the 
General Ontram is most anxious to have the services 
' j of their gallant and energetic leader; and he 
&wS“jiob stall b. placed i» command < «. ;** 

in the present operations. You will, we doubt not, 

‘ made to you by General Outram. 


army. 

General Sir James 
three regiments c. 
regiment of irregular cavalry 
required not only as a force 
nucleus whereon to form the 

.spot. For this purpose C 

of the Sind Horse, with those 
has suggested that C. — 
of the cavalry employed .. 

give due weight to any representation 

Minute by the Bight Hon Me the Governor of BomhaV in Council-dated the 24th Decern- 

Concurred In by the Council . 

mi a ™ ^ iha Hobble the Secret Committee conveyed to ns m their 
i«bta H r«h S .Emo must be re.p.ud.d to on on, part wrth 

‘S' SstoL »d° “SLnmamb, and to threaten from those point. 
Shiraz and Isfahan. . memorandum of the reinforcements 

w bS* ™?d«“o:Ss|1o Utru to™" 

JJgSJ dS"o”tbefcvoo already^despatcbed r.maiaing at Bosbiro aod » it. 

*»»* * 

* Artillery . orders of the Government of India upon 

1 troop Horse. these reinforcements ; but as time is of 

l company Foot. ^he utmost importance, I think that we 

must take upon ourselves to anticipate their 
sanction so far as to engage the additional 
shipping which will be required (beyond 
the number of transports already taken up 
and expected to return shortly from 
Bushire) for the conveyance of the cavalry 
and artillery horses, to # order the pre- 
paration of all commissariat supplies tor 
the increased force, and to direct the march 
of one of the regiments of Sind Horse to 
Karachi. I have, indeed, already warned 
Colonel Jacob, in a private letter which I 
sent by tbe steamer yesterday, that his 
services, and those of one of his regiments, 
would be needed. 

•<re additional force can be supplied by this 
Madras or Bengal. I have great confidence 


Cavalry. 

Her Majesty’s Utli Dragoons. 
1 regiment Sind Horse. 

Arab Levies. 


Under Colonel Jacob. 





No. 7, dated 8th January 1857. 

From Major J. Hill, Commanding Engineer, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The Assistant Quarter Master General, Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 
Estimate of force required for expedition to Shusiar. 

The following points will have to be considered in the preparation of the 
estimate, viz, : 

(1) What garrison will be .efficient to leave at Bushire. 

(2) What force will be sufficient for the expedition to Shustar, including the posts it 

may be found necessary to leave to keep up the communication between that 
place and the sea, and also for protecting our right flank and rear from the direc- 
tion of Bfhbahan, Ram Hurmuz, and Dorak. 

(3) Ordnance and Engineer Parks. 

(4) Commissariat Department* 

(5) Land Transport Department* 

(6) Sea and River Transport. 

With regard to the garrison to be left at Bushire, the only difficulty is the 
supply of water, which at present is only found at 14 miles from the town. 
There is a tank in the town which would contain sufficient for a garrison of 
1,21.0 men for three months, but incase of a blockade there would be no sup- 
ply for the inhabitants. To meet this contingency, it will be necessary to leave 
a garrison of 1,650 men, divided in the following manner : — 

450 infantry and 50 artillery to garrison a fort to be constructed on the conurandinsr 
ground over the wells. s 

75 infantry and artillery to garrison a strong redoubt between the fort and the town of 
Bushire to ensure the communication not being cut off. 

750 infantry, 50 artillery, and 200 cavalry to garrison the town of Bushire itself 
The brig Euphrates and two gunboats to command the creek and cover the anuroach 

to fchft town rrnm ttm 1nr>rl cirfr* ** ' 





Ther$~catr be no doubt that this arrangement will effectually secure the 
safety of Bushire, but ample time must be given for the construction of the 
proposed works, as the ground is rocky. Seamen might be substituted for 
artillerymen, as the. latter would be much needed with the expedition to 
Shustar. 

2n&ly . — What force will be required for tbe expedition to Shustar. 


Artillery- 


Infantry, Cavalry. 


To garrison Muhammarah at the 
entrance of the river and 
guard the depots, one regiment 
Native Infantry. 


4 ships’ guns and 50 sea- 
men. 


To garrison Borak, 30 miles from 
Muhammarah, situated near 
the head of a creek branching 
from the left hank of the 
Kanin, 8 miles above Muham- 
marah, one regiment Native 
Infantry. 

To garrison Ahwiz, 2 regiments 
Native Infantry. 

(The country between Ahwaz 


A battery of 9-prs. with 
Golundauze. 

A battery of 9-prs. with 
Golundauze. 


and Dorak is described as a 
desert.) 

To garrison Band-i-Kir at the 
confluence of the Ab-i-Gargar 
canal with the Kanin. 


2 medium ships, 
manned by seamen, 


(The country between Ahwaz 
and Band-i-Kfr also described 
as a desert.) 

To besiege Shustar 


2 squadrons Dra« 
goons. 


2 troops Horse Artillery. 


6.000 Europeans 

3.000 Natives 


3 European Light Field 
batteries. 


1,000 Native Cava- 


300 Europeans. 

1,600 Native Cav- 
airy. 


2 troops Horse Artillery. 

5 batteries, besides ships 
guns. 


200 men Reserve ‘Artillery. 

4 companies of Sappers and Miners- 



Ordnance Pari. 


Siege train—* 

^S^Wwitzers * ' With 600 rounds o£ shot and shell per gun and mortar, with 
mOTtara 4) proportion of other ammunition. 

(ran platforms and all other requisites for the siege train will, as a matter of 
course, be provided for by the Ordnance Department. 


Engineer Parle. ' 

Eight Engineer officers, exclusive of those with the Sappers and Miners, 
thirty carpenters and ten smith's forges, a full proportion of entrenching, 
cutting, sapping and mining tools, laboratory stores, carpenter’s and smith's 
tools, miscellaneous stores, such as sandbags, scaling ladders, &c., drawing 
and surveying instruments. Pontoon equipment from Punah, seven rafts. 
In addition to this, superstructure will be required for 100 yards of bridge. 

It may be presumed that river boats will be procurable on the Katun river, 
or, if not, they must be obtained from JBassorah and .Baghdad, these being 
required for carrying stores np the river as well as for the bridge. 

Carriage for about *2o tons of engineer park stores, exclusive of the 
pontoon and bridge equipments. 

Commissariat Department . 

The Assistant Commissary. General will furnish reports of the manner 
in which he proposes provisioning the above force. It would appear that the 
navigation of the Karun is not difficult for small craft. We may therefore 
take advantage of it to convey a great portion of our supplies, stores, &c., 
and depots may be established at Ahwaz and Band-i-Kir in addition to that 
at Muhammarah. 

Land Transport Department. 

This, it is supposed, will be shortly placed under the superintendence of the 
officers who are expected to join the force from Bombay for the express 
purpose of organizing a Land Transport Corps. The number of bago-ao-e 
animals required will, however, be comparatively small in consequence of water 
carriage being available for the heavy stores, &c. 

Sea and River Transport . 

The Commodore Commanding Persian Gulf Squadron should be called 
on to turmsh a report on this subject. The only thing connected with it 
requiring any remark from me is the urgent necessity of procuring the aid 
of some of the lightest steamers and flats from the river Indus to he 
employed on the Kanin, which, it is believed, is navigable for vessels drawing 
J^over 0 feet water to Ahwaz, and for vessels drawing less considerably 

* Ia tho foregoing, I have, I believe, enumerated all the forces and depart- 
ShSir eqUmng ° rgamzafcion in 0rder to ensure a successful expedition against 

* These estimates are framed upon the idea that Shnstar is a availed fortress, and not nractic. 
ally an open town commanded by elevations within easy camion ran ere ^ 

Tho force is considerably over-estimated. — M. S. JB. fo ‘ 

Tor corrections, refer to Gazelter of Persia . 













I 


i 




Considering the distance of Shustar from the sea coast, the comparatively 
unknown' nature of the country, our limited knowledge of the forces the 
enemy could bring to oppose us, and the necessity of keeping up strong posts 
of communication with our rear, I do not think I have over-estimated the 
force required. A portion of this, amounting to two European and three 
Native regiments, a troop of horse artillery, two European field batteries, two 
companies sappers and miners, and 350 cavalry, the force already here, would 
proceed from this, their places being taken by 1,275 infantry and 200 cavalry 
of the force which is to come from Bombay. 

Gunboats would be valuable stationed at Ahwaz, Band-i-Kir, and 
Muhammarah, and in case of the banks of tbe Karun proving to be fertile in- 
stead of desert, it will be necessary to have a considerably larger and moveable 
force at Ahwaz, and in such case it may be matter for consideration whether 
Dorak might not be left with a much smaller detachment placed in a strong 
position merely to watch the road, and the bulk of the force proposed for 
that post joined with the post at Ahwaz. 

I add a rough estimate of the probable force that would be required to go 
to Shiraz by Firuzabad. The easiest way of forcing our passage would be to 
seize tbe first pass, and establish a depot at the nearest good watering place 
in front of it. From this dep&t it would be necessary to render the road to 
the foot of the next pass practicable for artillery ; the pass might then be 
forced, and a second depot established. 

In this manner, by establishing depots about 40 miles apart, and im- 
proving the road as we advance, all difficulties on the route might be sur- 
mounted. It would be necessary to leave 1,500 men with each depot in our 
rear to guard the stores and keep our communications open. Taking all the 
difficulties of the route into consideration, the same force as set down for 
the Shustar expedition would suffice. On the march from Bushire to the 
valley of Shiraz little baggage should be taken ; and as, when there, we should 
have the entire command of the Shiraz and Bushire road, the troops guard- 
ing the depots might be reduced to 500 men each, and tbe army before 
Shiraz strengthened by those withdrawn. 







APPENDIX C 


Intelligence collected relating to Bushire and Mdhammarah and th® 

ADJACENT COAST DISTRICTS. 


Confidential Circular Memorandum containing approximate replies to a number of questions 

put by the Bombay Military Staff Officers in communications they addressed to Captain 

Jones, i.n;., on 28th September 185th • • 

Grain and provisions . — Wheat and barley are procurable in considerable 
quantities at the Persian ports to the north of Bushire, more particularly at 
Hindian, Dilam, Gunawa, and Bandar Big. 

In the Bohi 11a districts much also is to be found. The country to the 
south of Boh ill a yields likewise large supplies of these grains. To the north 
I should say some 500 konas of each could be collected in a short time. To 
the south two-thirds of that quantity. 

All ram and Khormuj, distant from this port 7 and 12 farsakhs respect- 
ively. boast dour mills, and it is at these places that is ground the bulk of 
the wheat converted by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood into flour. The 
streams the above inland villages are situated on are at all times sufficiently 
powerful to enable the mills to keep working. Wheat and barley abound at 
Ba sso rah, but the Persian produce is superior, and proport ionately dearer. 

Kali , or straw, for bullocks and horses generally plentiful in the country. 
Sheep are principally brought from the Bihbalian district, Kuhgehlu, and the 
hills inhabited by the Bakhtiari Iliyats. They are plentiful enough. Probably 
from 9,000 to 10,000 could be collected, when demand was excessive, in the 
space of two months. 

Oxen . — Somewhat scarce. One thousand head of oxen could perhaps be 
procured from different places round Bushire, and not farm the interior, in 50 
or 60 days. 

Ghee chiefly brought from Bihbihan. From 400 to 500 kegs, each weighing 
120 lbs. more or less, could probably be obtained in a month. 

Vegetables generally scarce ; onions plentiful ; rice scarce. 

Firewood exceedingly scarce in the neighbourhood of Bushire. Must all 
be procured from sea. It superabounds between Khumir and Suft in Kislim. 

Baggage animals. — Few mules round Bushire to be obtained either for pur- 
chase or on hire. In Borasjan a very limited number could be procured. In 
the Bihbahan, Kazran, and Shiraz districts collectively perhaps 500 mules 
could be got together for purchase in three months. Their selling price would 
average from 25 to 35 tomans a head (ft's. 100 to Rs. 140). On hire it is impos- 
sible to state even approximately how many of these animals could be collected. 
I may observe, however, for your information the system that obtains in 
respect to charges for their hire. For every 100 Tabriz maunds they carry, the 
party hiring the mules would pay the sum of 20 krans, and on each mule 
would be laden an average weight of 4 maunds. 

Asses would mostly carry a load of half that weight, and could be hired at 
7 or 18 krans per 100 Tabriz maunds to be carried. 

Asses are pretty plentiful. I dare say 1,000 head could be collected for hire 
in two or three months from Firuzabad, Maimun, Kazran, and the low country 
adjacent to Bushire, The general price of an ass may be stated at 25 krans. 




, _ / , pf ff; -'t ,iJ \ m M *&&&>-* **« 







WHI 


m 


gp 




tj'i < 


Camels. From 400 to 500 could perliaps be procured in two or three 

months between Borasjan and Bushire. 

Equipments for baggage animals.- ; It is generally understood these are 
not kept in large quantities ready made up, but in Bihbahan, kazian, and 
Shiraz ihuldazs abound, who eould speedily make up as many as might 
be ordered. The majority of the baggage animals, 1 may observe, would 
possess their own equipments. 

■Carriage for sick.— An important consideration for ourselves, because seldom 
dreamt of in Persia. No such thing as a regular Utter is made use of for the 
conveyance of an invalid on the simple line of march. The person sick, n a 
common soldier, would probably either remain behind or ride on a donkey, it he 

could get or steal one. If the invalids were entitled to more consideration 
from position or otherwise— for instance, the non-commissioned officer ot highest 
erode— would either possibly be accommodated with a kujawa, or some rude 
apparatus would be rigged up to convey him to his destination. A Persian 
of rank, however, such as a sarhang or sartip, would ride comfortably in a 
takhUrowan. K u jawas and iakU-rowans ready made are scarce, ihe 
former are simple affairs, and could be quickly and easily got ready on the 
spot were the timber available. A supply, to commence with, should most 
certainly, however, be brought up. 

Small craft. — Some SO or 40 bnglas are at this moment available m 
or close to Bushire harbour. This account includes those obtainable from 
ship hard by. They are tolerably adapted for plying between the ships and the 
shore. At Baraki, a small port situate in a creek, distant from Bushire 
about 7 farsakhs and from Tangistan 40 or 50 more, could be found, besides 
5 or 6 bultils and 3 or i ghaehas. . 

Water and water mnssacks.— The water at the wells close to Bushire is 
exceedingly brackish, but those distant 3 or 4 miles from the town afford very 
good drinkable water. Further inland its quality varies considerably I am 

I know that in some places it is anything but sweet, and incline to the 
belief that between Bushire and Shiraz it is, on the whole, rather brackish 
than sweet. Simple boring apparatus for sinking fresh wells would be essen- 
tially necessary to a force advancing through Persia Rain deposits the 
accumulation of winter falls, are supposed to be plentiful at divers depths 
beneath the sedimentary strata, which are situated among the hollows m t e 

Ropes, blocks, and hides for buckets would also he in great requisition for 
the working of these wells. Every soldier should have in his possession a 
mussack or water skin. These might on emergency prove of invaluable ser- 
vice to him. They are light and portable, and are capable, when stuffed with, 
fighting clothes, ammunition, and eatables, of conveying him and his musket 
afross any unfordable river or torrent. By joining them in considerable num- 
bers together, too, rafts would hear the weight of the heaviest guns and stores, 
and transport them in safety. 

A few general remark**— The natural resources of Persia, it will he observed, 
are on the whole, extremely scanty. A British force coming up, therefore, 
to the Gulf should arrive having at its command everything necessary to 
start with. If permitted to venture an opinion, I should say not less than three 
months* provisions of every sort and kind should be within actual reach of 
every man in the force. 





)f that period, supplies would be 
wus iii Persia, The low country 
aut once arrive at the passes, and 
themselves ; all the roads through 
are said to be impracticable for 
How far this may be true it is 

impracticabilities to Persians might prove to 
V hour and difficulty* . 

guns of 18-pr. calibre have been brought 
by that route, and that lighter fieldpieces 
° — ia. , ■' ' |||| 

sui mount these mountain difficulties should, however, 

^ with every appliance that might be requisite 
r guns over and out of trying positions. Indeed, more than the 
usual complement of such necessaries should be supplied them. Once beyond 
the mountains, the roads are tolerably practicable, I am told, in every direction 
save the east and north-east, which swarm with deserts untraversable W 


presents no obstacle to artillery whatever, 
inconceivable difficulties, I believe, present 
the mountains between Bu shire and Shiraz 
artillery, save by the way of Firuzabad. 
impossible to say. 

Possibly enough, what are i t ' * 
able pioneers mere works of great labour and 
All I can now observe is that 
down the passes by the Persians L, 

■are. frequently taken to all parts of Persia., 

A force destined to s 
it is clear, be amply provided 
to move tkei 


Supplementary Remarks, 

Leechees are procurable in large quantities from Kazran and Shiraz 
Limes also to be obtained in abundance from the Oman coast, south of Khfr- 
i-Fakan, as far as Mascat. 

Warm clothing fitted for the soldier decidedly scarce. Everyman should 
arrive armed with apparel adapted to resist the effect of both wet and cold 
and not trust to obtain the needful in Persia. 

Numdas could no doubt be collected in due course of time from the in- 
terior, and aids, warm and thick, are to be procured in the neighbourhood of 
Muhammarah ; but for immediate use few or none would be available Meso- 
potamia, so soon as the Arabs could be taught to perceive the advantages of 
a regular traffic, would probably afford a large supply of sheep, camels, oxen 
buffaloes, and grain ; but much tact, forbearance, and knowledge of Arab charac- 
ter would be requisite to deal successfully with the independents of these 
regions. 





From Mi TOR J, Hti/l, Commanding Engineers, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, to the 
Assistant Quarter Master General, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, —No, 1, dated 1st 

Strongly recommpnds the supply of boring apparatus to the force, as the 
well water in Bushire is not drinkable, and a large force is required to guard 
the wells 1 1 miles from the town. 


Extract of a private letter from Captain Kemball, Political Agent, Baghdad, to Captain 
Felix Jones,. I. N., Political Resident at Bushire,— dated 28th November 1856. 

Fort* at mouth of H afar river . — These much spoken of forts constructed 
by the Persians are absolutely contemptible. 

On either side of the Haf&r river, there is a mud structure capable of 
mounting three or four guns, but differing only from the common mud forts 
of the Arabs in that it is pierced with embrasures, 
Muhammarah^er! 6 6 or apertures intended as such. On the Jazfrah* 

the defences are mere mngars . 

From their unfinished state one would suppose that the Persians had 
abandoned the construction as useless. All that we shall require is one or 
two small vessels constantly stationed on the spot to guard our commerce 
and suppress any propensity to plunder engendered in the minds of our quasi- 
Arab allies (for one and all declare themselves the servants of the Iwgleez) by 
the arrival of the expedition. 


Memorandum on Muhammarab and the River Karun, by Major-General Sir W. F. Williams, 

In the event of hostilities being prosecuted against Persia on the part of 
the Indian Government by the capture of Bushire and the advance of a 
British army into the interior of Persia on the line of Shiraz and Isfahan, 
I consider a diversion through the Hafar canal and up the river Karun to be 
highly desirable. Our means of annoyance would be very formidable, as we 
should be enabled through the agency of Indian officers speaking the 
Persian language to enlist into our service all the warlike inhabitants of the 
western slopes of the mountains of the Bakhtiarfs and of Liiristan. These 
tribes are constantly at war with the Persian authorities, and the British 
agents acting from Mnhammarah in the direction of Shapur, Shu star, and 
Bizful, and from Baghdad in the direction of Ka rind and Karmanshah, would 
with ready money rally round their standards vast numbers of hardy foot 
and admirable horsemen. The climate of Muhammarab from the month of 
June to October is very deadly to Europeans. During the remainder of the 
year, it is well adapted for the opeiationsof warfare. The Hafar is navig- 
able up to the quay of Muhammarab for the largest sloops of war, and two 
or three well placed redoubts would protect any depot established at the town 
of Muhammarah. During the hot months, these forts should be guarded by 
sepoys and Arabs in our service, while our European • troops should be 
encamped in the hills to the east of Shustar and Dizful, where my camps have 
passed the summer. 

Large supplies of buffaloes and sheep can always he had from the Arabs 
for ready money ; and wheat and barley by timely precautions can be floated 
down the Tigris from Mosul and Baghdad, and down the Euphrates from 
Hillah and other cities. Two or three small steamers upon these rivers could 



1 x 0 advantageously employed in towing and guarding these supplies, and with 
respect to land carriage, almost any amount of camels can be with ready 
money procured from the neighbouring tribes. 

With reference to the navigation of the Karun, small steamers can run 
between Muhammarah and the bund of Ahwaz during the winter and spring. 
Great numbers of Arab boats from the Tigris and Euphrates can always be 
procured for ready money, especially the canoes of the Bam Lam Arabs, who 
beep up their own internal communication through the great inundation by 
these means of transport, which is never interrupted by sand banks and want 
of water in these rivers. As the whole population of Persian Arabistan* 
as well as the aforementioned mountaineers of Luristan, &e., detest the 
Persian rule, I consider that operations judiciously undertaken, and followed 
up in this direction, would cause greater inquietude — indeed terror — at Tihran 
than even the capture of Bushire. 

In fact Muhammarah is a point of such vital importance that I should 
recommend both the Imperial and Indian Governments never to lose sight 
of it, either in the present conjuncture, or in a general scheme of future 
pol i t i cal combi natio ns . 


Dated Bushire, 3rd January 1857. 

From — J. E. Taylor, Esq., Yiee-Consul at Basrah, 

To— The Lieutenant EL Ballard, c.b.. In charge Intelligence Department, 
Bushire. 


The climate of Muhammarah is unhealthy, although boasting of water 
unequalled in any port of Turkey or Persia. Its situation is, however, favorable 
in other respects ; and situated as it is, on the banks of the Hafar, which is 
capable of admitting ships of a large burden close to the walls of the town 
it is the port for Shustar, Dizful, and the surrounding district, as well as 
an entrepot for the pastoral tribes of Southern A rabis tan, for the disposal 
of their produce and the supply of their wants. The grain grown in the 
neighbourhood and about Ahwaz is largely exported, and its quality is 
scarcely inferior to the best sorts obtained to the north of Baghdad. 

The upper country as far as Shustar is proverbially fertile, and abounds 
in hocks of sheep. Shustar itself is a most desirable position. It is situated 
in a fertile basin, and its only drawback is the intense heat prevailing in 
summer. The town is walled, and there are about eleven guns in the place, 
capable, I understand, of being put in position. I am unaware of the number 
oi held guns available there or with the Persian force in Luristan and 
Arahistao ; but it is well known that, in common with all Eastern nations, this 
arm is a favorite branch of their service, and we may safely calculate that 
in this respect the Persian army will not be deficient. The force at Shustar 
may still be estimated at 3,000 men and 11 guns; at Muhammarah, where 
reinforcements have arrived within the last ten days, there are now four 
fauj of S.irbaz amounting, should the fauj be complete, to 3,200 men; the 
whole force in. Luristan and Arabistan may still be computed at 11,000 men ; 
but from the disturbed state of the tribes, and inefficient, state of communica- 
tion, I do not think one-half would be capable of concentration at Shustar and 
Dizful. I may add that considerable stores of provisions have been collected 
between Muhammarah and Ahwaz, as also at Hawizaii. The chief command 
of the troops at Muhammarah has been confided to Eller Mirza, son of Khan- 
ka* Mirza, the Prince Governor of Arabistan. His sartfps are Jabir Khan and 



■MBM 


Haji Isabir Khan ; but the latter is not trusted, as I believe he 
of lukewarmness, if not treachery, to the Prince's cause. I em 
of Arab tribes called for. 


El Mattur 


El Hallalat 
El Morazijeh 
El Derarijeh 
Al-bu-Mare£ 


Arab Tribes tributary to the Persians . 


K’&b. — Living on the 
Aal Shatt-ul-Arab », 


"Aal ul Aveydh 


Al-bu-Mehsen 
Minejat 
El Ramdban 


“banks of the Shatt-ul-Arab, K^riin Felahiyah, Jerrahi, 
Hindian, and Bahr-ul-Mashir 

- The Muhaism Shaikh Haji Isabir-el-Mudan, divided 
into 16 divisions, viz,, Al-bix Ferhan, Shaikh Hussain, 

Ebn Ali-ez-Ziara, and Haji Sulbukh : 

M Shaikh Mdsa-ul-Mui AH and Yusuf-el-Ghanam, and 
Say y id ebn Sayyid and Yusdf ebn Muh&mmad-el- 
Jassan, and Muhammad -el- Kenan 
Shaikh Sufteh ebn Abd-el-Nehhi, and Abdullah ebn 
Mai Allah* and Shenaneh ebn Hussain 
», Shaikh Sangur ebn Mahmud and ebn Sirhan Mt 

Shaikh Abbas ebk Abud-el-Dehlemine "***' 

Shaikh Muhammad ebn Salem ... ’** 

-** Shaikhs Naseh and Hashim, sons of Mir Saod ebn 
Mutrakh 

.. Shaikh Hamid ebn Ahmad *», 

.. Shaikh Khereh ... ... # *[ 

- Shaikh Yusuf ebn Muhammad 


Pastoral Tribes of Muliaisin. 

Al-hu Atnf, Baghlanieh, Hussainat, Zuneidat, Soweilat 
El Ay dan ... - 

Mo’avvlyah (at the Ismailiyah) ... 

Aal-el-iianaz 


Under Hdjl Isabir 


M ughala 


Mojaddim 
El Khan^firah 
El Mushasekeh 
Al-bii-Ghubaish 
*Asakirah 
Hazbah 


... Two divisions. 

Jduda and Mughal a. 

• Shaikh Hamfd ebn N&sir, Serban ebn Hamid, Saleh ebn 
Salem. 

... Shaikh JDanvesh ebn Seleh, Ibrahim ebn Mamd, and 
Ahmad ebn G nth ban 

... Shaikh Sulaiiuan ebn Guthban, and Musa-ei-Jendil 
(refugees in Turkish territory) ... 


Small Tribes of Felahiyah. 

, Shaikh Rahmah ebn Mubammad-el-Sabi 
Shaikh Hamdan . 

Shaikli Ahdarideh 
Shaikh Rayyld ebn Khalil 
•Shaikh Zair Kraidi 
Shaikh Mul’Mulla ebn Nusrut* 


Carried over 900 



' : ; v - ; -v; 

131 


5 


1 


Ml Bdwu 


Brought Over 


m tMwi 


and 


El New&ser 
K1 A aider 
El Zerkfin 
El Hu maid. 
El JSallamat 


. Shaikh of the whole Akhil ehn Daod 
Mut-h R dr. ebn Kahmah Zoberra and ebn Sameh 
Muhaihes ebn D<tod ' . 

Thahevo ebn Dagher and his sons Asad, Hussain, and 
Hamad hi 

. Shaikh Algum ehn Mulla .... 

. Shaikh Snwaiti. . " ..y 

, Shaikh fChdbir ' ... , M 

. Shaikh Fudhl 

, Shaikh Shti I ahi . .... ... ■ V- 

Others exiled from the tribe* viz., Jabbir ebn Tullab 
and Murad ebn Sulaiman , M 


Bani Semlm 


Ml A mare hi 

, Shaikh Mfr Mfhuna ebn Rashad 
Mir Abdullah and others 
Shaikh of H Indian Savyid -el- Abdullah 
AH Bandar Mashhur Sayyid Muhaihes 
Small scattered tribes in number 


• 

■ o 

■ ■ 

§00 


200 


70 0 


600 

500 

300 

300 

500 

100 

200 

: 

, 

! 

i 

I 

! 

■1 

4,300 

! 

* 


■ 

500 

600 

300 

loo 

1,000 

I 

1 

10,840 

m. 


These Arabs have Umoiigst them about ?,000 muskets and about 3,000 
horses. 

Tho proportion o£ armed men is equal in each tribe, but the Bawl tribe 
have the largest proportion of horse, say 1,600* and they are capital horsemen, 
and well armed with a small Persian carbine, pistols, and sword. 

Their horses are of good breed and well trained. 

Amongst the above tribes are 5,000 camels, 100,000 sheep* and 3,000 
buffaloes * the latter principally about Muhammarah. 


Ay' ah Tribes about Mawizah subject to Persia. 


Es* Sakieh Shaikh Shellahi ebn Mir Sayyid 
Es* Saadeli-Ahbel Turf Shaikh Sayyid Abd ebn Sayyid Hamid 
Ah-el-Kuat Shaikh Assad ebn H^ji Abbas ... 

Nees Shaikh All Kh£n ebn Shaikh Hamid ... 

Sein Seleh Shaikh Sayyid ebn Sabin ... 

Esh* Shurrufa Shaikh Abbas-el Hamid ... ... * 

El Hurdan Shaikh Shaiyaa-el Misser Allah 
El Qaataa Shaikh Abd -es’ Saeed ... 

El Echresh Shaikh Bertan ebn Ghuleb and Cherny an ebn Hiissain ... 
Villages under Sayyid Isa, Musa, and Muhammad, sons of Sayyid 
Shebib ... ... 

Beni Hurruf Shaikh Abbas-el- Abd Allah and Metani ebn Sendai 
Es’ Suaree Shaikh Sueydej-ibn Abu Hemdee 
Es’ Soudan Shaikh Quataa-el Abd Allah 

Albu Ghurba Shaikh Aswed ebn Shebib and Sufteh-el-Hamacleh 
Bereyha ■.»*« *«* »•* ... 


300 

300 

200 

200 

800 

800 

300 

400 

600 


.. 1,500 
800 
400 
1,000 
400 
200 


Total 


... 8,600 


These Arabs have 2,000 horses, 2,000 catnels, 20,000 sheep, 1,000 buffaloes. 



Arabs about Shudar. 

El -Atiafeja SliaiHi Magh&oses e r A Zetidi and his son Mutlnb A ban MaiJeli 
’these have — 

Men ... “* 

Horses 
Camels 
Sheep 

Arabs about JJizfiU. 

El Kethir Shaikh Fares-el-Hasbi. 

These have — 

Men *»* 

Horses 

Camels ... «"* 

Sheep 
Buffaloes 

Under Persian rule, or in Persian territory 
These have — 

Men 

Horses ... **• *•'» 

Camels ... ... 

Buffaloes... 

Sheep 


4 , 00 ?? 

lyOOO 

1.500 

12.000 (unclemrteci) 
5,000 


25,440 

6.500 

9.500 
9.000 

i42,<XX> (underrated.} 


No. 5?, dated 5th January 1857. 

Prom— L ieutenant J. Teonson, i.n., Commanding Corvette Falkland , 

To— The Assistant Resident, Persian Gulf. ^ 

I have the honor to submit the following observations made by me during 
oar recent cruize to northern parts. , 

Shah Abul Shah is the commencement of the H Indian territory, ana 
at present has a blood feud with the people of Bandar Dilam. Its position 
on the chart is incorrect : instead of 2 4 miles from Bandar Dilam, it is 8 
miles The soundings are most regular in Duhnt Dilam, but they are one 
fathom less than marked on the chart. The soundings gradually decrease to 
about one fathom, a quarter of a mile from shore. 

The rise and fall five days past the new moon was from 7 to o leet. Ine 
water is verv smooth, and the bay would afford good shelter to ships in a nor - 
wester, and tolerably good in a south-easter, if, for the hitter, it did not blow 
to the southward of south-south-east. The best anchorage is with Bandar 
Dilam bearing east in :3| to 4 fathoms. . 

The wells which supply Bandar Dilam with water are situated one mile 
to the northward of the place, and are protected by a large fort called Bandar 
Hamid. At 1 \ miles from Tonara the wells are situated, and the natives say that 
extensive ruins extend in that distance from the beach. There is a remarkable 
tree here which is a good mark for making the place. We were at anchor in 
three fathoms mud, with town north-east, distant about 1 mile. At Bandar, 
Rfg we anchored with the Shaikh's house N. 39° E., entrance to creek E. 11 
N.°in 3 fathoms; the latter l\ miles distant. 

At Khur Hussaini, anchored with the village of the same name IN. Go K 
Rohilla S. 77° E. about 1£ miles off shore. . . , . , 

A remarkable clump of trees S. -75° E. The bearings taken of Kharaj at 
these places placed them 6 miles to the north of their position on the chart. , 






^lie soundings aloit: 
coast is a good deal out 


ig the coast apppar to be very correct, but the 'Hoc at 
being* in some parts li too far west* 


Extract from report by Lieutenant H. DisSbowb, Assistant Political Agent to the 
: Force, Persian Gulf, — dated 44 Berenice,” Oth January 1857* 


To Lieutenant H. Ballabd, c*b., In charge Intelligence Department, Bushire. 

• I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter with queries 
■attached, ■■■and''. in reply to send you the accompanying answers. 

Q. 1 * — Much doubt has been thrown on the salubrity of Muliammarah 
during tbe hot weather. Do you retain your opinion regarding its possessing a 
good climate? 

A.~l am still of opinion that the immediate vicinity of Mu ham in a rah, on 
the banks of the Kanin, possesses a good climate as compared with all 
adjacent country south of Kurna ; and why ? The groves of date trees on which 
Muliammarah itself stands, with irrigating ditches filled and emptied by flow 
and reflux of tide, together with other cultivation, only extends along banks 
of Karun at most 2 miles above Muhammarah. There pure air of the desert 
and dry soil commence. Again, the water at Muhammarah, from July to Octo- 
ber inclusive, is that which drains from the marshes between Suk-es- Shaikh and 
Bassorab, divested of all vitality by probably six months' stagnation, and heated, 
as I have proved, to a temperature of 9-1° Fahr. The Kanin, on the other 
hand, m its short course of some 160 miles from the mountains, comes 



ilrnost pure > and, if I remember rightly, its temperature is seldom above 82 
With pure air, and cool, fresh, and excellent water, I seek m vain for causes of 
unhealthiness in the locality 1 refer to, say 5 miles ab'Ve Muhammarah, on the 

banks of the Kanin. . . . , , p 

At Rassofah three months ago, where the poorer classes drink the watei ofc 
a muddv creek leading from river to town, and m which all filth is thrown, 
about 700 died of cholera out of a population of 5,000 

At Maifl, a large village on the river, about 3 miles from Basso rah, two 
inhabitants fell victims 'to it. I have mentioned in my memoir published 
among the Royal Geographical Society’s reports that I attribute the healthi- 
ness <>f the Assyria ere# under my command in 1 84.2 to the fact that w hen duty 
called me to the vicinity of Bassorah, 1 always ran a few miles up Karun rather 
than remain at that place. The medical returns of the vessel would attest the 

same if more proof is needed. .. , 

n 2 —Could large ships unload at any point (not necessarily a town oi 

village) higher up the Karlin which might be more healthy ? 

j -Six fathoms (36 feet) water are matked m my chart, some 6 miles 

above Muhammarah, more than sufficient for the largest vessels that eouid 
pass the Mian, a bar at the month of the Shatt ul-Arab or Bassorah river. 

n 3 —Would the force of the current and windings of the river prevent 
the river steamers towing boats? If not, how many tons could a vessel like 

Assyria, with boats in tow, convey ? , „ _ 

j _i r phe windings of the river and force of current would offer no 
obstruction to river steamers towing boats, even in the highest tide, as far as 
Ahwaz Above this point, I find 1 made against a very strong current and 
high tide, on an average ft* miles an hour, and I remember I cut my own 
fuel as I went along. 1 have no doubt, such a steamer as the Comet would to# 
a boat carrying 150 tons, herself laden to a certain extent (say 50 tons without 
her armament) at the lowest rate of 1* miles per hour against the strongest 
current to he found south of Band-i-Kfr; if not, a few trackers would over- 

come the difficulty^ ^ Shustar by Ab-i-Gargar current not above three 

miles an hour. . , , . . , 0 

n 4 m — Does the river overflow its banks at any point f . 

A— l wa s up the Karun in the highest season, and did not find the river 

overflowing its banks ; an extraordinary high rise might cause it to do so; and, 
indeed, I find a statement to that effect in my memoir, viz., that m hebiuaiy 
(1842) the river overflowed its banks. 

Q. 5 .— Can troops march on both sides of the river uninterrupted by 

jungle, &c., &c. ? 

Yes. 

q $ What amount of supplies could be obtained below Shustar on the 

march, or would the troops have to depend on the river steamers for bringing 

up supplies from Muhammarah? , ,, 

The whole country about Shustar on the north and Felahiyah on the 

south' beino- ^rain-producing countries, it would entirely depend on the will- 
ingness or otherwise of the inhabitants. I myself confidently believe that 
as "much grain and cattle would be brought in as an army would require. 

The inhabitants of Band-i-Kfr unroofed their houses to sell me the raft- 
ers for firewood at 5 kraus the 1,000 lbs. The fact of ready money paid 
for their produce would have an effect which cannot be understood but by 
those who have been in this country. 



v 


The best place for collecting supplies preparatory to the occupation o 
M uham ma rah in November would decidedly be Bassorah; but if the preparation 
be much earlier, uo place seems at once safe and healthy nearer thai 
Baghdad. 

• The quantity of supplies in the K'ab district is abundant, the transpor 
about 4,500 camels. Baghdad and Bassorah could probably procure froir 
^,000 to 10,000 mules, and an equal number of camels with six months 
notice. In the event of an advance on Shustar and a threatened attack front 
the rear, the most desirable point for a depot or detachment would be Ah. 
waz. It is remarkably fertile, and, being situated on the river, could ii 
required, be protected by steamers. * * 

I take this opportunity of mentioning that since descending the Shatt- 
ul- Arab a month ago, the Persians have been, and still are, working 
most industriously at Mubammarah. The fort on the northern side of th< 
Hatar has been strengthened by stumps of date trees placed slantinc 
against the wall, and the interstices filled up with earth after the manned 
of a buttress. It seemed pierced for three guns, at which point th< 
wall did not exceed 3 feet in thickness; but the embrasures wen 
diagonal, apparently with the object of firing the moment a steamer attempt- 
ed to turn up the Hafar. They are also working very hard opposite tin 
town. This is entirely new, and consists of a ditch and parapet on an ole 
mound, or rums of walls. There is no doubt that in a short time the plac< 
will be of considerable strength, but at present could easily be destroyed 
The most desirable point for landing troops is on the island south of Muham- 
marah, anywhere between 5 and 10 miles. The water is deep under tlic 
bank, and the men would merely have to walk from the vessel to the shore 
The garden walls are mostly in ruins, and the date trees scattered. Nc 
defences have been pat up on this side. 

If the landing be effected to the north, the ships would be exposed tc 
fire in passing, and the ground now held by the regular infantry would be 
very difficult to carry, the date trees being much thicker than the south side 
and walls in good order. 

I have been informed that the insalubrity of Muhammarah is confined to the 
cultivated tracts, so that in all probability an eligible site might be foil tic 
a few miles higher up the stream. There will be difficulty in bringing tin 
camels from Bassorah, but they could be made to swim across — a mode occasion- 
ally adopted by the Arabs. 





Dated Camp near Buslxirc, 12th January 1857. 

Beporfby Lieutenant H. Ballard, c.b., Superintendent, Intelligence Department, 

. J Bustiire. 

In compliance with tie orders of the Major-General Commanding, I have 
prepared the following report regarding the countries through which a force 
marching on Shustar or Bihbahan respectively would have to pass ; and 
although extremely imperfect, it seems desirable to furnish it at once, because 
many reports have been spread regarding the fertility of the country near the 
Karfin river, the correctness of which a more close exam ination renders doubt- 
ful. Unfortunately it is from natives alone that much of the information 
must come, as few ’Englishmen have explored these parts. 

The points to be considered are — ^ , 

1st .— -The injury which an occupation of Khuzistan could inflict on the 
Persian Go vernment. 

Snd.-JThe facility with which we can carry out an expedition for that 

purpose. . , . 

The injury which would be inflicted on the Persian Government is a poli- 
tical question. It would chiefly arise from the effect which the presence 
of invaders would have on the turbulent population of the mountains. An 
occupation of Khuzistan itself would be but a small triumph compared to the 
difficulties attending it, and the disadvantages in a strategical point of view 
which attend a march to Shustar. 

The province is thus described by hraser : 

<1 Khuzistan, the ancient Susiana, which lies to the north-west ot bars 
upon the northern hank of the Tigris, may be divided into two portions, 
essentially differing from each other in character and climate. 




„ m 








* , ' , % , r , • r, t, 

137 

yielded the best crops of cotton and sugar, of rice and grain, to a condition 
little better than a forsaken waste.” 


This account is exaggerated ; there is a good deal of cultivation about 
Shustar and Dizful, but the subject will be considered further on under the 
head of supplies. 

The superfluity of core cannot be great, as the trade on the Karun is 
Bawlinson. small, and Muhammarah, the natural enitepit for its 

Kernball produce, has an insignificant population and trifling 


The Baron de Bode estimates the revenue of Shustar (not including 
Dizful, but including Akilf, where most ora is grown) at £10,000. > 

The whole revenue of Khuzistan probably amounts to about £20,000. 

I will now proceed to a more detailed account of the Karun river and the 
requirements of an enemy advancing on Shustar, reserving a few remarks on 
the military advantages or disadvantages of the expedition for the conclusion. 

c ... , .. , Previous to an expedition to Shustar. the town of 

mara k Muham mar ah must first be seized. 


’The climate of Muham marah is described as most unhealthy during the 
OHmate. summer months; in fact uninhabitable for Europeans. 

^ Captain Selby, however, considers that by ascending 
the Karun for a few miles, a more endurable climate could be obtained ; even 
if it could not, the obstacle is not insurmountable, for an army would not 
assemble there before November, when the climate is healthy; and, after the 
advance, it might be entrusted to natives and some gunboats. 

If Mu ham marah is occupied this spring, it would still be better to form depdts 
at Bassorah and Baghdad than there, because these places are in Turkish 
territory ; and it would only be necessary to send a few officers and conductors 
to collect the supplies and means of transport, which could afterwards be 
transferred to Muhammarah, 

An abundance of cattle for slaughter can be procured at Muhammarah, but 
Supplies at Muhammarah. there ai ] e Afferent accounts of the amount of grain to 
be obtained in the immediate neighbourhood. The 
whole adult male population of the large district of K'ab only amounts to 
11,000, a small proportion of whom are village Arabs. This fact alone would 
seem conclusive that no large quantity of grain can be grown ; and Colonel 
Rawlinson, the highest authority on these subjects, states : “ The country at 

the month of the Euphrates, although prolific in rice and dates, does not pro** 
dace wheat and barley enough for the consumption of the inhabitants. Large 
supplies, however, might be obtained from Shustar down the Karun, and from 
Mosul and Baghdad down the Tigris. Mosul is overflowing with corn, 
and could send any quantity down the river by rafts at a moderate price ; 
that is, at half the average price that rules in India.” These remarks were 
made regarding Bassorah in Turkish territory, only 40 miles from Muham- 
marah, so there would be no difficulty in arranging for an abundant supply to 
be brought down the Tigris to Shatt-ul-Arab. 

The tribes of K'ab are said to possess 5,000 camels; a thousand of these 

Land transport. might be available for inland transport; but if a 

depot was made at Bassorah, they could be collected 
there in any numbers and taken across the river in rafts, as swimming 
camels is a troublesome business. The journey to Muhammarah could be 
accomplished by land in two days after crossing the river. 





lt« 



Colonel RavHinson says tc that in a few weeks he couH colled from 10,060 
to 20,000 camels, 2,000 mules, and 2,000 donkeys at Baghdad,” and a number 
would be found nearBassorah itself. From Baghdad to Bassorahis 250 miles. 
Precautions must be taken for guarding the convoys along this route from 
the predatory tribes who infest the banks * but this would not be difficult. 

Most of the horses sent to Bombay from Bassorah come by land from 
Baghdad. 1 

On this important subject the authorities l have bad access to are General 
XT. • ^ + 4 ^ tt ' Williams, Colonel Rawlinson, and Captain Selby. 

NaVlgatl ° n ° f the Karun ‘ Major Estcourt has published a survey of the Karan 
from Muhammarah to Ahwaz, which 1 beg to suggest be applied for from 
Government. 

The ascent of the Karun divides itself into three stages. 

From Mtthammarah to Ahwaz, where there is an ancient bund, past which 
steamers must be dragged by hawsers, is 80 miles. From Ahwaz to Band- 
i-Kir, where the Karun and an artificial canal drawn from it higher up unite, 
25 miles, and from Band-i-Kir to Shustar, which is most easily affected by 
the Ab-i-Gargar canal above mentioned, 35 miles. This is as troops march 
the windings of the river would add another 20 miles for steamers, or 160 
miles in all. 

Captain Selby ascended to within two miles of Shustar in the spring of 
1842 with the steamer Assyria. He states that the river is navigable to 
Ahwaz at the lowest season for vessels drawing 5 feet water, and to Shustar 
all the year round for vessels drawing 4 feet. 

General Williams says u small steamers can run between Muhammarah and 
Ahwaz during the winter and spring. Great numbers of Arab boats from 
the Tigris and Euphrates can always be procured for ready money, especially 
the boats of the Bani Lam Arabs, who keep up their own communications by 
these means, which is never interrupted by want of water in these rivers/' 

Colonel Rawlinson says another avenue into Persia may be supposed to be 
up the Karun; but this I leave for the present out of consideration, as the 
river is only practicable for steamers during two months in the year. 

As General Williams and Colonel Rawlinson must both have seen Lieu- 
tenant Selby's report, the conclusion is that neither of these experienced officers, 
who at the moment of writing had in view the passage of an army, considered it 
would be safe to trust to receiving supplies From Muhammarah during the low 
season by steam navigation. It would therefore be desirable to reach Shustar 
as early as possible after the beginning of the high season, in order that our 
requirements there might be known, and, as far as possible, provided for before 
the river began to fall. 

There is plenty of fuel on the banks according to Lieutenant Selby. Until 
depots were made some inconvenience would be found 
from the wood being green. 

As kafilas move with ease along the banks, there seems no reason to 

Native authority and apprehendaity difficulty to toops marching. A creek 
Lieutenant Selby. on the left bank which runs up to liorak would re- 

quire a bridge of boats; it is from 15 to 20 yards wide. 
From this creek (8 miles above Muhammarah) the country on both sides of the 
river is desert, or covered with brushwood and dwarf poplars as far as Ahwaz ; 
there are only two villages, Idrisiah and Ismailiah, in this long distance. (See 
reu oh sketch No. 11.) 

From the right bank to Hawizah the country is badly supplied with water, 
and thi nly i nhabited. On the left bank there is a large, 
on y. but still scanty, population of nomad tribes. Itmayba 


ISfiSE.il 











fairly conjectured that any cultivation would be found near the banks, and 
that the Arab tribes live chiefly by their flocks and herds, A supply of fresh 
meat, and at certain seasons green grass for the horses and mules, might be 
found ; all the other necessaries for an army must he brought from Muhammarah. 
We have no account by personal knowledge of Ahwaz, except from Lieutenant 
Selby, who indicates the country as a desert, which agrees with accounts I 
have had from natives Mr. Taylor of Bassorah and Major Taylor say the 
country about Ahwaz is fertile; but this applies more to its capabilities, if 
cultivated, than present resources. The reports regarding its produce of corn 
probably arise from the fact that, owing to the bund across the river, all the 
corn brought from Shustar must here be transhipped from one boat to another, 
and there depdts of grain are made ; hence the merchants at Muhammarah and 
elsewhere are accustomed to hear of their boats being laden at Ahwaz, and 
imagine the corn is grown there. 

Lieutenant Selby's map From . AFw »z to Band-i-Kir, the banks of the 
(Native authority). river are in the same unprofitable state. 

Kinneir “ says from Ab-i-Zal and the Tigris to the river which I consider 
Gyndes on the western side, and from the banks of the Karun to those of the 
Shatt-ul-Arab, it is dreary and desolate, and from the eastern side of Shustar 
a lonely wild, upwards of 60 miles in extent, extends from that city to the 
entrance of the valley of Ram Hormuz. 

“ Even between Band-i-Kir and Dizful, just mentioned as the most 
flourishing part of the country, the corn when I visited Khuzistan in February 
1810 was principally raised by the officers of Government, aud the principal 
inhabitants of Shustar and Dizful ” 

Above Band-i-Kir the Karun and Ah-i-Gargar canal enclose an is] nd 
called the Mian-ab, 35 miles in length by 5 broad. A good deal of 
corn is grown on it; but this might be removed for the use of the garrison, and 
stored in Shustar before our arrival. 

The chief supplies of grain are obtained from <he plains of Ak Kala, 12 miles 
beyond Shustar, whence, says Lieutenant Selby, Shustar aud a vast extent of 
adjacent country is supplied with corn. This would not be available before we 
had taken the town. 

Shustar contains at present 8,000 inhabitants. KInneir reckons them in 
his time at 35,000. W hen we have occupied it, there would be a sufficiency of 
food for the men ; but if the cavalry aud artillery force was large, we cannot 
feel confident of procuring forage, always scarce in the low country, where few 
horses and mules are used. If Shaikh Hakim Ibin Gheis at Dorak and his 
relative Haji Jabir at Muhammarah could be bought over, it would save much 
trouble. The latter must, indeed, from self interest be friendly ; and if it is 
necessary to coerce the former, a force could march from Muhammarah (while 
the Shustar expedition was preparing) to Dorak, 30 miles, following a creek 
by which small boats can go; but our communications world still be threat- 
ened from Bihbahan (described further on) in a manner which, even if the 
K’ab chief was our faithful ally, could not be disregarded, and would require 
a force to protect them. It will be seen by the sketch representing the sup- 
posed movements of the enemy's troops, appended to this report, that a formid- 
able force could assemble on the K'ab frontier in our right rear, and we 
must be prepared to meet it before it approached the Karun Moreover, it is 
certain that we must have intercourse more or less intimate with some of the 
K^ab chiefs; and if they had been assisting us, the Persians would have little 
scruple in carrying out on the Arab tribes the horrible threats they have lately 





mamtam 




hi 




NHS 

1 ' 

I 




issued to those Bear Bu shire who "might be found favoring the English. We 
would be bound to protect those people if our friends, and to have a strong 
guard over them if our enemies, 

: * When that was settled, there would not be any fear of opposition till we 
reached Band-i-Kir; a well placed redoubt at the extremity of the Mian* 
ab would effectually bar the upward passage of our steamers and boats, and 
we should requite a pontoon train to carry by land to some other point where 
the enemy were less prepared. Colonel Rawlinson once took guns across the 
Karun on rafts supported by inflated skins, but this would not be safe in the 
presence of an enemy, and under any circumstances we must carry the super- 
structure for a bridge complete. 

Supposing our progress stopped at Band-i-Kir, there would be two 
courses open — 1st, to bridge the Ab-i-Gargar canal higher up; 2nd, to cross 
the Dizful river, where we would probably not be opposed, and then to cross 
the Karun, ^ 

The following is Lieutenant Selby's account of the Ab-i-Gargar; 

u Like all streams running through a similar soil, it is rather serpentine, and 
winds from side to side of the valley/' 

This valley is formed by steep marl cliffs, which gradually approximate, 
until, at the junction of the canal with the other rivers at Band-i-Kir, they 
form the immediate banks, and tower perpendicularly overhead to the height 
of 130 feet. The depth of the Ab-i-Gargar is nearly uniform, being in the 
channel from 12 to 18 fert ; in the lowest season the breadth varies from 60 
to 120 yards, with a current of not more than 2| miles an hour, till near 
Shustar. 

This is clearly seen in the map, and it will probably be found easier to 
Cross the Dizful and force the passage of the Karun, where some deep re- 
entering angles and a command of position offer a facility for the manoeuvre. 
The Dizful and Karun, according to the map, are about the same size as the 
canal. 

The Mian-ab occupied, there remains Shustar itself contaning a gar- 

"Tice- Consul Taylor rison of 3 ’ 000 men and 11 S uns > but whicb mi g bfc be 

Captain Kembatl. ' increased to 8,000. Small reinforcements o£ artillery 

could come from Bihbahan and Karmanshah. 

The town is thus described : 

Shustar is built on a small hill, which rises gradually from the south-west- 
ward, and increases in elevation towards the citadel, which presents on 
the north-east side an* abrupt face of 130 feet in height, having the river 
immediately beneath it. 

Having" the river on both sides, and on the other a wet ditch which might 
easily be put in order, the place itself, naturally strong, might be rendered 
sufficiently so to resist any other than a well appointed European force. 

Shustar once taken, it would be necessary to follow up by occupying 
the plains of Ak Kala. The direct route is very diffi- 
Tnferenees from Colonel CU ]t, but it can be turned by Baitavand, 15 miles 
BawUiyon and the Baron de distant; it would also be necessary to occupy Dizful, 
o e ( a wean on y. containing 20,000 inhabitants, the capital of the pro- 
vince, 35 miles from Shustar; the army recruited at Shustar could effect that 
without reinforcements. 

It remains to add to this report an account of Bihbahan, as it is from this 
that one rear would be threatened in an expedition to Shustar, “and that the 











Misfiia 


1 « r 1 * , * / J **' 


' wm% 

relative advantages of an expedition there or to Shustar may be compared 
as far as imperfect information will permit. 

I will also give some extracts from Colonel Rawlinson regarding the 
passes’from Shustar to the interior: 

“ Bihbahan, the second capital of the Fars district, lies in a plain watered 
by the streams of Khanabad and Shir, from which the town is supplied by 
artificial means. ^ The governor is Soft All Mirza, son of Tahmasp Mirza, 
Governor of Shiraz. Four hundred sarhaz under Yaour (Major) Hussain 
Khan and 400 horse of the Sevan tribe under All Khan were stationed here at 
the beginning of the war; but these may at any moment be changed. Thera 
are seven or eight guns of: position, but no moveable artillery. Bihbahan is 50 
miles from Bandar Diiam ami 65 from Hiudian, posts 70 and 85 miles respect- 
ively north of Bushire.” 

Mr. Kinneir says: “On leaving Bandar Diiam and ascending the 
mountains, the first town which presents itself is Zaitun, containing about 
2,000 souls, situated in a pleasant valley fertilised by both branches of the 
Zab, which here form a junction ; 15 miles further on is Bihbahan, containing, 
according to the governor, 10,000 souls. The plain of Bihbahan is of consider- 
able extent and highly cultivated.” All native accounts agree in stating 
that there is a large quantity of grain and cattle to be had near Bihbahan. 

This must to a certain extent be true, as grain of all sorts and ghee are 
exported from Bandar Diiam and Hindian, An intelligent native, who has 
been of much use in collecting supplies for the Commissariat, told me he stayed 
for some time at Zaitun, and that there was plenty of supplies there and draught 
cattle to be had in the district. 

An itinerary is appended, by which it will be seen that both the roads 
from Bandar Dflam and Hindian are practicable for guns. 

The climate of Bihbahan is said to be healthy, and not so hot as Bnshire. 

The fortifications of Bihbahan consist of a wall with bastions in dilapidated 
state. There was once a ditch, but it has filled up in course of time. The 
most advantageous position for an enemy to take would be where the road 
passes through the hills to the westward of the town. 

Reinforcements of troops, including artillery, can be sent from Shiraz, ISO 
miles, and from Isfahan (but with great difficulty for artillery), 170 miles. The 
roads in both cases badly supplied. 

It is not probable that in the unsettled state into which an invasion would 
throw the Arab tribes, any force could be spared from Shustar, 120 miles. 

If the troops in the province of Fars were concentrated, as at present, in 
Far rash band, or any other point on the route from Bu shire to Shiraz via 
Firuzabad, they could go to Boras j an by Kazran, 140 miles, or by Borasjan, 
150 miles. Looking at an expedition to Shustar and Bihbahan respectively 
purely in a military point of view, and without any reference to political con- 
siderations, the following appear to be some of the inferences regarding it : 
That the road to Shustar is objectionable, as exposing the flank and rear of an 
army to attack. This arises from its running parallel to the frontier, whereas in 
a line of march perpendicular to the frontier, the enemy must meet the invaders 
in front. Shustar is no strategical point for future operations, as the passes to 
the interior are impracticable. It is in fact a cul de sac. 

The advantages attending it are that there is water carriage most of the 
way, and supplies to be obtained when the army was settled. If it was 
ordered by Government to extend our operation for the purpose of further 
coercing the Shah, the troops necessary for the occupation of Shustar 
would remain inactive at a tim.e when their services could be least spared. 


■i 




I sas 

I if 

■H 





In the case of an expedition to S hustar, some force must be posted to guard 
our right rear. If the Persians concentrated troops on Bihbahan, this would 
be seriously threatened, as the country between there and the Karun is passable 
. for troops, and in the direction of Dorak not destitute 

0 f supplies for a Persian army. Dorak itself would 
not answer for this station, as it is unhealthy. 

Natives say that the Hies there in summer form an intolerable pest. It would, 
therefore, either have to be on the lowest healthy point of the Karun, or at Bandar 
Dilam or Bihbahan itself; in all eases fully equipped for the held. The coun- 
try between Bihbahan and Shiraz is so badly supplied, except near the former 
place, that the Persian Government would find it exceedingly difficult, if not 
quite impossible, to command the resources necessary for moving a large body 
of troops along it at once; and if they came down it in small bodies, an active 
force at Bihbahan could attack them in detail ; t his is equally true regarding 
the road from Isfahan. A force to operate on Bihbahan should assemble at 
Bushire, and, while making preparations, could also be employed in demon- 
strations towards Firuzabad, in which direction lies the best route to Shiraz. 
This would induce the Persians to concentrate on that line, of which their 
present preparations indicate great jealousy. When ready, the troops would 
embark, and in ten hours be at Bandar Dilam or Hindian. 

They could disembark altogether at Bandar Dilam or form two columns, 
and, marching from the above named ports, unite at Zuitun, thus more easily 
obtaining supplies. It is beyond Zaitun that the difficult ground com- 
mences ; but as Bihbahan would certainly be denuded of troops, its occupa- 

Native authority. ^ 0n would be easy. From Bihbahan to Fabliau, 
on the Shiraz road, is 60 miles through a country 
well watered and wooded, but thinly populated even for Persia. The road 
does not present any insurmountable impediment to the advance of an 
army. 

Fahliun is a point of considerable strategical importance, as from there 
roads lead to Kazran, Dasht-i-Arzan, Mian-i-Kotal ‘(half way station of the 
Kotal-i- Pi rzan), and direct to Shiraz. Guns can be taken to Shiraz from 
all these places. On the subject of the roads to Shiraz, I shall lay before the 
Major-General a separate memorandum of the information which has been 
collected at present, merely offering the following remarks. If we are to 
ascend the passes, Shiraz must be the point on which to direct our forces. A 
direct advance on Isfahan by other routes is impracticable. 

If it is determined at once to ascend the passes, the Far rash band route is the 
best, and Bushire, being then in our rear, would require a very small garrison 
to protect it. 

If we advance on Shustar, it should only be on the understanding that 
no further operations are probable, or it would be a clog on further move- 
ments. 

An occupation of Bihbahan is the easiest movement of all, and would be 
of use whether future operations are contemplated against Shustar or Shiraz. 
In the one case, the force there would defend our right rear ; in the other, effect 
a diversion in our favor by the route of Fahliun. But this would only be a 
diversion; the real blow would be struck by Firuzabad, and, unless the invad- 
ing force was very large, they would be more weakened than assisted by a 
division of their numbers. The remark regarding Shustar applies, though in 
a less degree, to Bihbahan, namely, that whatever may be the political or other 
advantages of effecting its occupation, there would be none in a strategical point 
of view for invading the country on! a large scale. 



The direct passes from Shustar to the interior are of so ragged a char- 
acier, that they are not followed by the caravans* 
PaSSeS t0 tbe These make a long rou nd by Mala mi r and Dih-i-Diz, a 

Tillage about 50 miles from Bihbahan. The distance by this route to Isfahan 
is upwards of 250 miles. Guns have been brought down it by the Persians, but 
they were 6-prs., and the difficulties experienced were extreme. 

Colonel Raw! in son says regarding Shustar: 

The great difficulty is the communication with the interior; the passes 
between Shustar and Isfahan cannot be traversed even by a laden mule. 
The only routes practicable to an army with guns, both long and difficult 
and badly supplied, are one which runs easterly by Ram Hormuz and Bihb$h&n f .; 
and debouches on the plains of Persepolis ; and the other which follows up the 
valleys of the Karkhah and Kashghan rivers, till it reaches the high plateau 
of Central Persia near Khuramabad.” 

Elsewhere he says : u The passes beyond Shu -tar and Dizful are of the utmost 
difficulty. I have mvself, it is true, carried t’-prs. up the valley of the Karkhah. 
from Dizful to Karmanshah, but I was obliged to rely almost entirely oil manual 
labour, telling off a regiment to each gun.” 

The latter route independently of these considerations is an ineligible one, 
being a long march on the skirts of the kingdom ; and the former leading to 
the plains of Persepolis, and thence to Shiraz, is not so practicable as those 
which lead direct inland from Bush ire. 


See Sketch No . 8 showing supposed movements of the enemy on English army 
seizing Mukammarah preparatory to ascending Kdrun y page 98. 

Dated Camp Mukammarah, 5th April 1857. 

Despatch from — Captain J. Wray, Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General, 
Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

To — The Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 

According to the instructions received from you, I have the honor to 
forward the following report upon Ahwaz and the country in its vicinity, with 
a brief account of the military operations of the expedition. 

Ahw&z is situated on the left bank of the Kanin river, at about 100 miles 
from its mouth. The town is in ruins, and not more than one-third of the 
houses appear to be occupied. There is no fort or defence of any kind beyond 
an old ruinous stone wall round part of it. The inhabitants number about 
1,200, chiefly Arabs of the Arab tribes. Close to the town are two old broken 
down bunds across the river, through which the water rushes with great rapidity. 
One of these is just opposite the town • the other considerably below it. These 
bunds are impassable for boats drawing more than a few feet water, and the 
strength of the current renders the passage of any boats a matter of great diffi- 
culty ; indeed, we did not ascertain satisfactorily that boats could pass at all. 

The river is from 90 to 140 yards wide, and there are several low islands in 
the middle covered with low tamarisk jungle ; the banks of tbe river are general- 
ly high, and the water so deep that onejsmall steamer could lie close alongside. 

The country of the town side of the river is a bare plain, with very slight 
patches of cultivation here and there ; and on the south-east side of the town 
is a range of sandstone hills perfectly bare. 

The country on the opposite side of the river is much the same-r-a barren 
plain without a tree, and the most desolate looking place imaginable. A few 
hundred yards above the bank is a ridge, which, when we approached Ahwaz, 
we found occupied by the Persian army. 


9Wi 

II 






MmmmM 












■ § 


is 


. The nver passes round this point, rendering the position very strong- • but 
ah the same time, a force driven out of it by an enemy attacking at A, and bein» 
obliged to embark and retire down the river in boats or small steamers would 
be exposed to the lire of batteries or musketry from the river banks from anv 
point which an active enemy might select. J 

The advantages of this site for a cantonment for our troops are first 
that our commissariat and stores coming by land from Muhammarah’ could 
join pur camp without having to cross the river; second, the strength of the 
position. & 

: '■ * Ifc is impossible to form any idea of the healthiness of the place. There had 
been a good deal of ram when we were there, and the surface of the ground 
was very heavy ; but there is no reason to suppose that troops stationed here 
would be otherwise than healthy. 

At present the climates is very pleasant, the mornings delightful, and the 
days, though warm quite bearable. The Arabs furnished us with sheep in 
abundance, milk, ghee, &c. ■ 

The Karun river has already been reported on by Captain Selby, and I 
found the map drawn up by that officer perfectly correct. The river is gen- 
erally from 90 to 180 yards wide— a fine stream, with very rapid current, the 
banks tor the first fe.sv miles after leaving Muhammarah covered with date trees • 
afterwards with cypress or dwarf poplar. Jungle for a hundred yards or so 
from the water s edge, the interior a barren desert. We passed a few Arab 
Villages on the left bank at long intervals, and anchored for the night at two 
of them to get supplies. Excepting here, we did not see a single soul the 
whole way. The country on the right side appears an uninhabited wilderness. 

Irom the Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, to Quarter Ma-ter General 
Bombay Army,— No. 14-Q., dated 28th April 1857. 

, .Reports that, after a very careful examination, the Lieutenant-General has 
decided upon forming a standing camp for the second division on the ground 
now occupied by that force, about 2 miles north-east of the town of 
Muhammarah. 

It has also been decided upon to make the transports in the river avail- 
able for temporary barracks, where the sickly may be accommodated and 
where companies of Europeans may alternately enjoy a change of air, or in 
the event of any epidemic breaking out, or other immediate necessity occurring 
for such a step, enable the Lieutenant-General to remove the whole force from 
Muhammarah to Karachi or Bombay. 

From CaFTJlin J. Weay, Deputy Quarter Master General, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, 

t0 i. th <L?w f °u\ h oJ taft ’ Perslaa Expeditionary Field Force,— N o. 164, dated Muhamma- 

ran, Zoth. April loo7* 

. Reports that he proceeded on 24tli instant to inspect the ground for some 
distance along the banks of the Karun with a view to the selection of a o-ood- 
site lor the cantonment of the troops. 

States that the country for 8 miles after leaving Muhammarah is dry, but 
after crossing the wide creek at Bjusbih, and turning to the right towards the 
river bank, the surface of the ground becomes more and more damp, and the 
soil so heavy that their horses sank over the hoof at every step 
- That he examined the whole of the ground from the village for about 5 
miles up the river, but the result was the same ; the ground the whole way 
•long the bank to the depth of half a mile is crusted with salt, several inches 


, 



deep in mud, and never dry. Beyond that distance from the waters edge, there 
are open spaces here and there of dry hard sand ; But even these are crossed" ! 
by ridges of the salt muddy soil, which appears to run in veins across the plain ' 
in every direction, rendering it quite unsuited for a cantonment. 

Intimates that about 5 miles above Sabla he found a small patch of good 
ground on a high bank of the river, hard, free from mud, and covered with 
tamarisk jungle, but of so small extent, about half a mile long by 200 yards in 
depth, that it would not answer the purpose, and, moreover, at such a distance 
from building material that hutting the troops there must be attended with, 
great delay and difficulty. 

Remarks that the only other spots at all suitable are the open spaces ■ ; 
between the villages of Kusbih and Sishan and between Sishanand Deymt Ali" . 
Pasha. The country on theSabIasi.de also appears to be an open desert, 
level, with ridges of muddy soil. 


From Beioadier-Gkxebal Havelock, Commanding 2nd Division, Persian Expeditionary 
Field Force, to the Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, — No. 200, 
dated 25th April 1857. 

Entirely disapproves of any movement from Muhammarah on sanitary 
grounds, also on account of its accessibility from the ships, and its value as a 
strategical position. Recommends erection of huts and enforcement of strict 
sanitation, &c., at Muhammarah, after which the chances of sickness will prob- 
ably be less than if the division moved further up the river.* ■ 


From Chief of the Staff, Persian Expeditionary Field Force, to Assistant Adjutant General, 
2nd Division, Persian Expeditionary Field Force,— No. 49, oated 26th April 1857. 

Superintending Surgeon Mackenzie states that there is no suitable locality 
for the encampment of troops near Muhammarah, and that the main thing is 
to get the troops under cover in Muhammarah itself before the heat sets in, their 
health being carefully watched, and severe cases removed at once to the 
ships. 


Summary of information obtained on the 24th and 25th of April 1 857 from several Arabs as, 
to the respective salubrity of different localities between Sabla and Muhammarah. 

1st. — From a Native of Sabla. 

“ Sabla is tolerably healt hy, more so than Muhammarah. * By Muhammarah 
I mean the town and its immediate vicinity. The high ground 2 miles beyond 
the town is as healthy as Sabla. Sabla is occasionally flooded, with the excep- 
tion of a small hill upon which the ruin stands. Such floodings occur after very 
heavy rains in the interior. 

“ The rainy season does not terminate till the end of this month (Ramadhan). 
The mud you speak of as now existing is in consequence of the late heavy 
rains. It is always damp here and there owing to the saltness of the soil in 
different places. The chief sickness with us is continued fever, but not 
many die of it, because we are so few in number. The country beyond Sabla 
as far as Ahwaz is much the same as this, no better." * . 


iit! 




■HHHHMMliiMHiii 


, 140 

; 2nd. —From the OMca and two others of the milage of Stshan, 3 miles below Sahla , mi the 

right bank* 


i€ We have lived here all our lives, and consider it more healthy than the port 
of Muhammarah. The spot where the ShahzadalPs camp was pitched is as 
healthy as this. We know it because we frequent the town and its vicinity every 
day, and have occasionally resided there for weeks. This spot, and the district 
beyond it for many miles, is sometimes, but not often, covered with water. 
Such floodings take place in consequence of an extraordinary rise of the river, 
when it is swollen by heavy rain. It was thus flooded last year, and again this 
year when the Commissioners were here; but such has not occurred this year. 
It may yet occur, because the rainy season will not be over till the end of 
Ramadhan. Fever, chiefly hot (remittent), is the most prevalent disease, hut 
is confined to the autumn (September) after the dates are gathered in. There 
are many snakes and scorpions here, and mosquitoes abound. It is the same 
higher up and lower down the river. The ground hereabouts is muddy now in 
consequence of the rain. No troops have ever encamped here to our knowledge. 
Darwesh Pasha, the Turkish commander, encamped at Omm-et-Telool, 4 
miles lower down ; u 

Omm-Et-Telool. 

“ The river frequently rises to within a short distance of these ridges : the 
ridges are wet because of the rain, and because the soil is bitter (impregnated 
with saltpetre). We do not say that it is preferable to the .spot lately occu- 
pied by the Shahzadah, hut we thought you wished to come higher up. This 
place has frequently been selected by a portion of the Persian garrison. They 
came here when sickness broke out among the troops who were located on the 
other side of the river opposite Muhammarah.” 

Of JSd-duna near Muhammarah , lately occupied by the camp of the Shdhzdddh. 

u The floods have never been known to rise as high as this spot. 
u The Persian soldiers have encamped therefor years. All Pasha of 
Baghdad, when he took the place, fixed his camp there. He arrived in, 
autumn and left in the spring. No particular sickness prevailed in the Tur- 
kish army. We know of no occasion when the Persian troops suffered severely 
but when they were encamped near the fort on the opposite side of the river. 
The left of your present camp is in a bad spot, for the ground there is some- 
times flooded. You should make your extreme right your extreme left, and then 
you would be on the best position. We prefer mud to reed huts ; but many of 
us are too poor tq build with mud. We prefer mud huts to tents, unless the 
tent is double and a wall built round the sides to keep the heat off. Hot 
winds prevail here during the summer, more so we hear than at Bushire ; but 
our climate is better, and the water here makes us healthy,” 

3rd. — From Abd-er-Hedha of Khdraj , an old Pilot , who has been in the service of the 
Indian Navy Qulf Squadron for many y ear s t and from several other Pilots well 
acquainted with Muhammarah . 

(< I have frequented Muhammarah at intervals for the la st 25 years, and these, 
my companions, are equally conversant with the place. My father and grand- 
father used to relate to me that two English regiments under General Fisly 
(Paisly ?) occupied Muhammarah for two years.” 


1 1 


: : > fill 



Mr. Maoist* jr was the agent at B&ssorah. There were also from 1*2 to 18 
ships here; they remained at the month of the Shat t-ul- Arab for some time* 
because the authorities at Basrah objected to their going higher up. Thep. 
they anchored half way between the month of the river and the Hafar, and 
finally they came up to Muhammarah, where they remained for some months* 
The soldiers were encamped in tents there, where the Shahzadah's regiments 
were lately located. AM Pasha's army was also encamped there. Several of 
ns know it because we saw it. AM Pasha came here just when the date 
harvest was being gathered, and he left in the winter. We never heard that 
the English soldiers suffered from sickness. The Turks under AM P&dha, 
we know, 'did not suffer. The Persians on the. island of Abadan lost 800 
men from diarrhoea and dysentery, and one of their commanders, named ■ 
Yawar, died about 8 years ago. They then removed to this side, and became 
healthy. They went higher up on the river because another force occupied 
the site where the Shahzadah's camp lately stood, and besides it was deemed 
imprudent to bring them in too close contact with the healthy troops. We 
never heard of the site we now speak of being unhealthy. True the town 
is so, but it is very dirty and very close. 

Persians frequently come here from Bassorah for change of air, and also 
for change of water, because the water in the Kanin is the best in the world. 
The heat here is less than at Bushire, but the hot winds are more frequent ; 
and the mosquitoes are so troublesome that a man must sleep under 
cover to get any rest. Fever is the prevalent disease, but it is confined 
to the season when the dates are gathered. From our own experience, and 
from what we have heard of others, the place where AM Pasha's troops 
were is tolerably free from it. Your present camp is too near the Shafct- 
ul-Arab ; you should move it to the right. A very large tent with double 
lining would be as good as a mud hut, but it should have a wall round it. 
Barracks, such §,s the English built at Kharaj, would be a thousand times 
better than any tents. Those are built of mortar and stones ; but mud would 
be as good. From what we know of both places, you will be better off here 
than at Bushire ; but you must get water from the river, not from the 
canals. 

(Sd.) G. P. BADGER, /" v 


Arabic Interpreter* 



■Ell 


tali 


Abstract of correspondence relative to the neutralization of the Coast 
Shaikhs, and the enlistment of the Coast Tribes in our service. 

All the coast Shaikhs sealed a secret compact of friendship and to furnish 
supplies, hut were refused all written guarantee of indemnity for so doing on 

;©ur'part. ' '' \ " ' , ■ ; ^ ^ , 1 , , ' , » ' , v 


Ko. 67, dated 14th January 1857, from General Stalker, to the Secretary to Government, 

■ 1 : ", ' " ' , : 1 Bombay. 

Forwards report by Lieutenant Disbrowe on the various ports of the 
Persian shore and intimates that allowances have been granted to Shaikhs as 
under who have promised to assist the British, and for whom protection can- 
not be guaranteed : 


Banker Khan Tangistum Shaikh Muhammad Hussain of Borasjan; 

Shaikh Hussain of Ohahkuta, 

Shaikh Bulimy ar of Tel-i-Sfah. 

Mulla Ahmad ben Tahir of I )i\£m. 

Ahmad Khan hen Murad of GunawsC, 

Shaikh Abdulla hen Shaikh Muhammad, and Shaikh Abdulla ben Bahraah of Bandar 


Ho. 49, dated 28th March 1857, from General Outram, to Lord Clarendon (On board the 
“ Ferooz” near Hartep, 4 miles below Muhammarah). 

Intimates that Rashid Pasha, Governor of Bassorah, declared Muhammarah 
to be disputed territory and objected to any attack there by the British, in virtue 
of the claims put forth by the Porte. A further difficulty arose with the Turk- 
ish authorities, namely, the removal of an Ottoman ship of war stationed 
in the channel before Muhammarah. Captain Kemball was despatched to settle 
these points, the first of which fell through in consequence of an unprovoked 

I jfy attack by the Persians on the “ Comet” despatch boat, and in the case of the 

p second, Rashid Pasha consented to order the removal of the war ship. This, 

1 1' the General looks upon as a sign of the friendliness of the Turkish authorities. 

f Captain Kemball was further directed to secure, if possible, the neutrality 

W of the Arab tribes and overtures were made to the undermentioned* chiefs to 

If abstain from assisting the Persians and to withdraw their followers, in order 

r to avoid collision with the British army. No guarantee was held out to 

them, but they were promised an ample reward if found deserving. 

The success of these negociations was displayed as the “ Ferooz ” steamed 
up to its present anchorage. At several of the villages the Arabs, male and 
female, approached the river unarmed, waving their flags and when the vessel 
anchored, several came on board volunteering to give any information in 
their power, as to the numbers and disposition of the enemy, 

* Shaikh Faris al Ghadhan chief of Kellahiah. 

Mdlla Abdulla, Chief of Hawizah. 

Shaikh J abir-el-Murdao Chief of the Mohaisen tribes. 

Shaikh Suwaila, Ferhan and Darwish Chiefs of the Nasara tribe Khnshab, 



■■■■■■■■■■■■I ! 




: .4: 

chiefs 


copy of General Outranks 




ill 

proclamartion was sent to the following : 


Mmmin hen All, AH Bu Ferhan. 

Zusuf ben Gbanam. ■ ■' .‘ ; ■' ' -'K,: 

Mii 11a hen Mtilla All. 

Simgur hen Ferhan. 

The Shaikh of the AH Bii Mnlinrzeh. 

9t „ Klin lif eh. 

„ „ Mahmutl Shatait* 

tS ' ' j, ■ Elm wauls. 

» „ Amlra — Hirtah. 

n i, Kasabah. 


mmbb 


arn^ 


Despatch from General Outram to Earl Clarendon, dated Muhammarah, 11th April 1857. 

Forwards translation of letters* deceived from Shaikhs Faris of FelMM&h 
* The communications and Jabir of Muhammarah and states that a visit 
were to assure Sir James from these Sheikhs to the camp would have been at- 

ami lo' " obtain ' promises * of tended with many advantages but before this could 
immunities on the occasion b© arranged, news arrived ox the conclusion of peace at 
of the visits which they Paris, and the out wal'd hearing of the chiefs has in 
proposed to make. consequence undergone a change owing to their dread 

of vengeance on the part of the Persian Government. 

He marks that the Turkish authorities appeared to labor under the impres- 
sion that Muhammarah would be handed over to them, but that this delusion 
was not in any way countenanced or encouraged. 

Letter from A. B. Eemball, Esq., Political Agent, Turkish Arabia, to T. G. Taylor, Esq., 

British Agent. 

Directs him to discountenance any schemes of rebellion against the author- 
ity of the Persian Government on the part of its subjects, while approving 
of his reply to Muhammad-ez-Ziaruth, the confidential agent of Mulla Abdulla. 
Remarks that Mulla Abdulla is no longer de facto, as indeed he is not de jure 
Governor of Hawizah, as it was reported that he had been deposed of his 
government by his nephew Mulla Muhammad, aided by a military force under 
the command of the son of Khauler Mirza. 




m 




SiiiB 

lilt lit 


ip i 
!■ 


Ilillli 


1 


Extract froth despatch of Viscount Canning of 21 si March 1857. 

Sir J . Outram points out in the 24th and following paragraphs, certain 
political restrictions which he fears will so hamper his proceedings as to 
render nugatory liis proposed advance to Shustar, referring to that part of 
the instructions which debars him from seeking the aid of ’any but “inde- 
pendent" tribes. Her Majesty's Government adverting to this point have 
declared that they do not seek to subvert the dynasty of the Shah or to 
encourage insurrection on the part of his subjects ; that they have no wish to 
weaken the hold which he may have to the allegiance of his people, or to 
enlist the subjects of Persia in the ranks of the British Army, but that 
they would not hesitate to avail themselves of any assistance which may be 
obtained from independent native tribes. 

Sir J . Outram observes that there are no such independent tribes ; that all 
are either Persian or Turkish subjects; but that as regards the former, they will 






become virtually' our subjects when once our army is in possession o£ their 
territory* and that tbe objection to enlistment will then lose its force. 

I feel it necessary to say that I do not think that in acting upon this view 
the spirit of the policy laid down by Her Majesty’s Government would be 

carried out. . 

So far indeed as regards our right as belligerents* and the practice of war, 
examples may be found of arms placed in the hands of native population, 
and of recruits drawn from it by an invading army. But in such cases the 
subversion of the dynasty and the weakening of the government of the 
country invaded have been objects sought, not shunned. ^ . 

In the present instance, seeing how decidedly, and I believe wisely, Her 
Majesty's Government deprecate any dismemberment of Persia,— seeing how 
mischievous an example would be given to Russia in dealing with the subjects 
of Persia, and having regards to the future embarrassment which we should 
lay up for ourselves, I am of opinion that the enlistment should not take 

^ I fear it is impossible to contend confidently that although we should 
effectadismembermentfor the moment, we should be able, upon the re-establish- 
ment of peace to restore to the Persian empire its integrity. This, when we 
have once fanned the flame of rebellion may be beyond our power, unless 
indeed we should be prepared hereafter to coerce into re-subjection to the 
Shah, the tribes of whose aid in the field we wish to avail ourselves : and such 

a course is not to be thought of. _ ..... , 

It must be remembered that enlistment into our ranks, and submission to 
the discipline and command of our officers, implies a service in a great degree 
voluntary, and of a nature far more offensive to the Persian Government than 
those smaller services which, as a matter of necessity, and for the sake of 
subsistence and self-defence, an invading army is compelled to exact. 

Such a service as enlistment into the British army, is not I apprehend 
contemplated in Art? VII of the draft of the proposed treaty between Her 
Majesty and the Shah, lately received from the Secret Committee of the 
H. C. which stipulates for an amnesty in favor of those who, from tear 
of " damage to themselves and families, have afforded “ supplies and 
.iris! cnvuioo fn flip invadino* forces, whom they were unable to 



raHyBBHHb 


to seek the permanent weakening of the Shah's authority in a portion at 
least of Ills own dominions* and so far our object is opposed to theirs* not Jut 
unison with it. There is certainly no political bond between us. They would 
be our mercenaries* not our allies* in a cause* and I think there are grave objec- 
tions to taking our mercenaries from the Shah's own subjects. 

As to the future* the fierce denunciations which the Persian authorities 
have issued against all who allow the invaders to obtain the smallest article 
of supply, might lead to the conclusion that we should not compromise the 
future safety of the Shah's subjects to any greater extent by taking them into 
active military service, than by t radioing with them. ' 

But it is scarcely possible that this should be so. There' is* notwith- 
standing the big threats of the Persian Commander, a real and wide difference 
between the two kinds of aid ; and if the opportunity and power of punish- 
ing a tribe for taking up arms in the British ranks should present themselves 
to the Shah's Government, it is not to be supposed that the vengeance would 
not be sharper and more determined than if the offence should have been 
the mere sale of provisions or camels. 

Possibly the Bakhtiari and K'Ab tribes may be strong enough to defend 
themselves unaided against the ultimate consequences of their junction with 
the British force* but it is not to be expected that this will lead them to 
forego their claim to protection from us. 

If We meet that claim by requiring that they shall be included in the 
amnesty* we must watch the observance of that amnesty in regard to them* 
with more than usual care* and we must be prepared to enforce it. 

Our obligations to the men who had stood in the ranks with our own 
soldiers would not be light. We should owe something more to them than 
to the peasants who had supplied our camp, and our debt would be greater 
from the fact that they would have gained nothing by the success to which 
they would have contributed. 

Upon the whole the enlistment of tribes from within the Shah's domin- 
ions, and whom we must acknowledge to be under his rightful authority* 
appears to me to lead directly to the future protectorate of a portion of his 
subjects. An embarrassing condition of things at best, and one which in this* 
instance would be of the worst example to Persia's neighbours. 

It is impossible not to foresee with Sir James Outram that an important 
means of success will be lost by abstaining from using the aid in arms* of 
those subjects of Persia who are hostile to its Government. But probably 
it is not necessary that their assistance should be entirely foregone because 
we refuse to take them into military service* or that unless enlisted into our 
ranks they should be actively opposed to us. 

Their aid in furnishing supplies and carriage, their forbearance from 
molestation of our convoys and sources of information* and from any maraud- 
ing upon ground from which our supplies are drawn* might* I should hope* 
be secured by money and by friendly and judicious treatment. 

As regards the Shah's troops I see no reason why the tribes should not 
be left to take their own course. I would not attempt to enforce their 
neutrality. ■ y: A: 

If the Shah has misgoverned and alienated them* he must take the 
consequence. All that is necessary for us to do is to make it well under- 
stood by the tribes that we do not seek to put them in collision with the 
Shah's forces ; that it is not for this purpose* but for the purposes above 
mentioned that we pay them and seek friendly relations with them. That 



for such. S8T vices as we aslv ? an amnesty will 1)6 required of the Persian Gov- 
eminent, but that beyond this we have no intention to interfere between the 
Shah and his subjects. It requires more information than the Govern- 
ment of India has at present at command, to judge whether, any impedi- 
ment to this course will be found in the character of the tribes in their 
relations to their Government- and to. each other, or in our position towards 
them. So far as my knowledge goes I see no reason to think that such a 
course will be impracticable. ■ . 

These are the views which present themselves to me upon a consideration 
of this important Subject as set forth iu Sir James Oil tram s despatch. If 
they meet with the concurrence of my Honourable colleagues, I propose that 
they be. communicated to Sir James Gutram, not as instructions, because these 
will come from Her Majesty's Government who can alone explain, or if 
thought necessary, modify the instructions which they have already given; 
and therefore Sir James Outram, has most properly addressed Her Majesty s 
' Government upon the subject, but because in a question of much di.Iicmry 
arising in such circumstances as the present, it is not right that the opinion 
: of the Governor General in Council should be withheld from him. 


Minute by the Honourable J. P. Grant, dated 22nd March 1857. 

important question regarding the policy of enlisting Persian 
o our ranks, to make war against their own sovereign, I have only 





; ' m y ™ e concurrence in the view taken by the Right Hon’bte 

the G-ovemor General, for all the reasons stated in His Lordship’s minute 
We have no quarrel with Persia excepting in the matter of her external 
relations and we have no intention of taking the subjects in question under 
permanent British protection. Sir James Outranks argument that a tempo- 
rary military occupation of a country warrants an inhabitant in throwing off 
f I s aile £' ancp ’ and ta W , arms against his sovereign, because it warrants 
tem P°^ a ^ su ^ missl011 in matters civil to an irresistible power, is 
1 th'nkthe proposed course would be unjustifiable, would be 
inexpedient* m the highest degree. 

On tlie question of communicating to Sir James Outram the opinion of 
the Governor General upon this point, on which that officer has received in- 
structions immediately from Her Majesty’s Government, I observe that this 
opinion is consonant with those instructions, wherefore the communication 

V" *:! n a T r P r °P° sed s f ms t0 “? proper. The expedition which Sir 
James Outram commands is an Indian expedition. The utmost effect of 
such a communication will be to confirm the General in acting upon his 
present instructions, so long as they shall remain unrecalled and unmodified 
oy the high authority from whom they issue. 




APPENDIX E 


3NDENCR RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OP INTELLIGENCE AND TH$ 
FORMATION QE AN INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT. 


tied I Btli September 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to Captain Wray* 
Assistant Quarter Mastei* General. 

s him that the Commander-in-Chief has directed his despatch to 
Gulf in advance of the force in view to the coDection of intellL 
that he is to be accompanied by Lieutenant Holland, 13th Native 
is Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General. 

i him to hold himself in readiness to enabaik at the shortest notice 
jr in which some officers of the Commissariat and Bazar Depart- 
; also proceed to prepare for the troops. 

[lowing* information to be obtained ? 

Arrangements for landing the troops . 

jtion of prevailing* winds, of the rise and time of tide, of the depth 
n various parts of the coast and facilities fo'r landing either in face 
jy or for taking them or their defences in flank or reverse; the 
boats and their condition, &c., procurable either by management or 


J650, dated 17th September 1856, from the Military Department, to the Commissary 
3 General# : ■ 

States that it has been resolved to despatch two Commissariat Officers to 
Persian Gulf to consult with the Resident at Bushire and to make arrange- 
ts for collection of supplies on arrival of the force. Intimates that it is 
intended that these officers shall actually purchase stores until there is & 



certainty of the expedition proceeding to its destination, this information can 
be furnished by the Resident, who will also supply funds and all necessary 
aid. 

Remarks that detailed orders should be issued for these officers* guidance 
and such native assistance attached to them as may be deemed expedient. 

Appoints Captain Rigby, Bazar Master; and requests that he may be de- 
spatched in advance and furnished with detailed instructions for his guidance. 
Adds that the Resident, Persian Gulf, will be requested to obtain the services 
of Naval Officers to be placed in communication with the Commissariat 
Officers for the more effectual carrying out of the object of their mission. 


(Sd.) FELIX JONES, 

Resident , Persian Gulf \ 


28th September 1856. 


General No. 39. dated 29th September 1856, from the Resident in the Persian Gulf, to the 

Quarter Master General. 

A want of time compels me to acknowledge in a circular the receipt of 
your letter of yesterday's date, enclosing copies of the instructions <riven for 
your guidance. These will be considered and such information as I possess or 
can obtain will be forwarded to you at Bassadore. m 

By the Steam Frigate Assay e I furnished to Government a memorandum 
containing much of the information sought both in the Quarter Master Gen- 
eral s and Commissariat Departments. I am not aware if you possess a copv 
ot this memorandum, but 1 send the original of the prices current in this 
Bazar. This can be copied and returned to this Office by the Falkland . 





, ■*/ 

g I 

Hftf 1,1 ‘ 


1 


it 



It would be desirable that one of the Commissariat officers should return 
by the Falkland to this port for employment in the Bassorah and Baghdad 
districts from whence our chief supplies of men and animals must be obtained 
If it were possible to proceed to that port at once, it would be still more 
desirable, but aware as you are of the suspicions caused by your presence in 
the town yesterday, I see no plan for adoption but the above course. The 
officer named for duty in the above districts would then have to remain afloat 
until means of proceeding to Bassorah were available. 

The Senior Commissariat Officer had therefore better consult Commodore 
Ethersey on this point, as if be can spare the Constance schooner from Bassa- 
dore she can be detached at once on this duty to Bassorah. The officer pro- 
ceeding^ there will find Mr. Taylor, Her Majesty's Vice Consul, in possession of 
all requisite information, and I presume will be able to supply him with 
funds by drawing bills direct on India. In the meantime I shall address 
Her Majesty's Consul-General in Baghdad on the subject. 


Residency in the Persian Gulf, Buslilre, 


FELIX JONES, 


29th September 1856. 


Resident , Persian Gulf, 


Secret Department No. 43, dated 29th September 1856, 


I find that I have time briefly to acknowledge the receipt of your respective 
communications wherein you report your arrival, and whilst setting forth the 
nature of the duties you have severally been deputed to perform, request me 
to furnish you with instructions and information calculated to facilitate the 
performance of these duties. 

The short period at my disposal, I regret to say, will not admit of my 
addressing you separately as 1 would otherwise have wished, nor will it even 
allow me to supply you with details as full as are desirable, I will hasten, 
however, to string together in the form of a confidential memorandum addressed 
to you collectively, such remarks as appear to me likely to be of immediate 
and general use to you, and to give you some insight into the amount of 
supplies probably to be found in these parts, the difficulties to be contended 
with, &e., &c. I may here observe that the Bombay Government have already 
been placed in possession by me of the matter in bulk now communicated and 
that I endeavoured to impress upon them, whilst transmitting the informa- 
tion, the fact that any remarks I had offered were merely applicable to the 
natural resources of the country in times of peace, when buyers and sellers 
might be plentiful and no obstacles were thrown m their way. You will be 
good enough to bear carefully in mind, therefore, that I by no means intend 
to imply that the supplies mentioned as available in these tracts would be 
forthcoming in the event of hostilities. Far from it. It is much to be feared 
that, so far as Bushire and its neighbourhood is concerned, little or nothing 
would be obtainable in the outset, and farther in the interior literally nothing. 
A Persian army retreating from its pursuers would scarcely fail to resort to 
its customary mode of dealing with a powerful enemy, which as you are 
doubtless aware, consists simply in refusing to face its antagonist and leaving 
him to pursue it through tracts it has designedly laid waste in its flight. This 
is a point that deserves your special consideration, and already shows that no 
hostile force, when first planting foot in Persian soil, lias a right to count on 
receiving even a particle of sustenance or assistance from Persia or Persian 


ft-'. 


WK 




, 



resources. I would further wish you to remember that in the confidential 
memorandum to your address, I do not even propose to be exact in the inform- 
ation I am therein conveying to you. It is merely approximative and 
derived from such sources as could with most safety be relied upon. 

Shortly after your arrival at Baskin, I trust it will be in my power to 
supply you with more definite instructions. In the meantime it shall be my 
endeavour quietly to obtain the services of a few intelligent and trustworthy 
Persians, who shall be deputed to join you and assist you in collecting 
information. This, however, pray remember, is a matter you must keep 
inviolably secret, for did my intentions once get abroad, so suspicious is the 
Persian, that not only should I find the greatest difficulty in finding and 
obtaining the people I required, but considerable irritation would likewise be 
created in the minds of the authorities. Whilst negotiations are still pend- 
ing, it appears to me too much caution cannot be exercised by us, 1 would 
recommend yon therefore on the arrival of these agents simply to eno’a^e 
them as domestics, and whilst culling from them" the information they are 
able to impart, to warn them for their own sakes to conduct their proceedings 
with the utmost secrecy and deliberation. For the rest, your own discretion 
and judgment must be your guides whilst carrying into effect the duties you 
have been instructed to perform. 

^ In conclusion,! would suggest, (I refer more particularly to supplies), that 
the plan we have in view would be most successfully attained, did one of the 
•Commissariat Officers after obtaining such information as be required at 
Bussadoie proceed and station himself at Masoat : and the other, so soon as 


No. 2035, dated 13th Oetober 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military Depart- 
ment. • • 

Requests that report by Captain Wray, Assistant Quartermaster-General, 
may be submitted to the Right Honourable the Governor, and states that the 
Commander-i»-Cliief considers it very much to he regretted, supposing the 
slate of affairs to have been such as to justify the Resident in sending the 
officers deputed by Government away in somewhat unseemly haste, that the 
opportunity was not taken of detaching Captain Wray and his assistant to 
some quarter on the frontier of Persia where useful information might have 
been obtained, in lieu of banishing them to a desert island, where their use- 
fulness is altogether paralysed. 

Adds that His Excellency desires that in case of any mail preceding the 
despatch of the force, this error may be rectified. 

Lieutenant Ballard, in charge of the Intelligence Department, was assisted 
by a small staff of clerks and draftsmen. 


No. 2112, dated 18th October 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military De- 

partment. 

Requests submission to Government of an application from Abdulla ben 
Hassan, an Arab horsedealer, to Major-General Stalker, to be allowed to 


’} - w'-Zi l' 1 '£j 


im-imh 


§ m 






| l 




■ilf 


I f fr 


; i 1# 

Hi i 


1 5 LdgStes 




mm 





accompany him to the Persian Gulf as an assistant. Remarks that Major 
General Beresford/ Commanding Mysore Division, testifies to the man's 
respectability, and states that he is a person of considerable ability and a 
-member of a powerful tribe on the confines of Persia, and this testimony is 
concurred in by General Stalker. 

Recommends his appointment as interpreter on a salary of Rs. 250 per 




mensem. 


Ho. 3396, dated 3rd November 1856, from the Military Department, to the Quarter Master 

General. 


States that Government, although sensible that the services of Abdulla 
ben Hassan might possibly be very useful, cannot consider that an Arab 
horse dealer is exactly the person on whom so confidential an appointment 
as that, of interpreter should be conferred. Adds that if General Stalker, how- 
ever, is himself desirous that the appointment of interpreter upon his personal 
staff should be so filled, the Governor is prepared to accord his sanction 
subject to confirmation by the Government of India. 


No. 3478, dated 5th November 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to tbe Military De- 
partment. 


llHiil 


Intimates that Major General Stalker states that from his personal know- 
ledge of Abdulla ben Iiassan, he conceives that his services with the expedi- 
tion would he most valuable. 

Adds that the Major General further states that if Government should 
be pleased to place the services of this person at his disposal, he proposes 
employing him in the Intelligence Department, for which he considers him 
admirably fitted, and that occasion may arise when his services would he 
very valuable in assisting the Commissariat Department in procuring supplies. 


[Abdulla ben Hassan was employed by the Intelligence Department in 
Persia.] 


No. 1772, dated 25th September 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to Government, 

Military Department. 


Bequests sanction to the following office establishment for the Quarter 
Master General’s Department: 


1 Writer 
1 » 

1 „ 

1 Draftsman 
1 

Stationery, Ac. 


Rs. 

1 20 per mensem. 
80 
SO 
100 
80 
50 


In regard to the Intelligence Department recommends that instead of 
the kossids usually entertained, such persons, natives of the country he 
employed as may be found necessary. J> 



ji > - ■ ■ | 


® 81 i! 811 lll 




Prom the Adjutant General in India, to the Secretary to the Government of India, Military 
Department, No. 6493* dated 8th November 1856. 

Recommends the appointment of Lieutenant Ballard, r.b., as head of the 
Intelligence Department, he being a well qualified officer for the post. 

% This appointment was made No. 3527 of 10th November 1856, (from the 
Military Department, to the Adjutant General) the remark it is to be under- 
stood that tins appointment is not to Interfere with any departmental arrange- 
ments already made among the officers of the Quartermaster General's De- 
partment. Lieutenant Ballard will have the position and the allowances of 
an Assistant Quartermaster General in the Field, but he is to be regarded as 
only temporarily attached to the Department and for the purposes of the 
pending service only. 

Bushire, 21st January 1857, No. 1 
authorised to entertain the following { 
furtment : 

One Mnnshi at 
T wo Peons, at each 


80 from 21st December 1856- 
10 from 20th instant. 


From the Quarter Master General, Bombay, to the General Officer Commanding 1st Division, 
Persian Field Force, No. 11 06, dated 9th February 1857. 

States' that his recommendation to attach Lieutenant Brydon of the 
Artillery to the Intelligence Department has been referred to Lieutenant- 
General Sir James Out ram ; also that the draftsman applied for by Lieuten- 
ant Holland has been sanctioned at a salary of Es. 100 per mensem. 

Order, dated 16th March 1857, by Lieutenant-General Sir J. Outram,K.c,B., 
authorised the entertainment of such native .establishment for interpreters 
and guides' on such pay, as Brigadier General J. Jacob, c.b,, may deem expe- 
dient. 


From the Secretary to the Government of India, Military Department, to the Adjutant 
General in India, No. 689* *», dated 4th December 1857. 

Intimates that the Governor in Council cannot confirm so vague an order 
as the foregoing, and that it should be explained what Interpreters, Guides, 
and establishment were entertained under the order, and what object is to "be 
subserved by formal confirmation being accorded to it at this distance erf time. 


From Brigadier-General J. Jacob, to the Adjutant General in India, No. 450, dated Camp 

Jacobabad, 14th December 1857. 

Intimates that the Interpreters, &e., were engaged for the proposed corps 
of irregular cavalry, and as it was not known what the numerical strength of 
the corps might be it was impossible for the General-in-Chief to determine 
the number of guides and interpreters required. Points out that on Sir J. 
Outram leaving him in the neighbourhood of the enemy he considered it 
necessary to retain the services of these men for the Intelligence Department* 
and later to assist him in the daily prosecution of his political and military 
correspondence and other duties. 

States that the order for these men's entertainment was forwarded with 
other papers by a French Frigate and these papers were lost en route . 

The following was the establishment entertained as interpreters and guides 
for the corps of irregular cavalry ; 

Two Munshis or Interpreters from March to June Inclusive. 

One Mnnshi from middle of March to close of May at Bs. 80 per mensem. 



.Pwc) Mtrnshis or writers from April to October in< 
Guides in tbe Intelligence Department T;in'iag in 
to 12, and salaries averaging about Ks. 12 
inclusive. 


From Brigadier-General J. Jacob, to the Political Department, No. 451, dated 14th Decern 

her 1S57. 

Brings to notice the annoyance to which he is sn 
Department in connection with the Persian expect! 
ease of the order about interpreters, guides, &c.. noinf 
; lost in transit i r ^ ’ " ' 

. - --O— • wuu IMAV> C 

quentiy^not sanctioned by Government at the date o£ 

sanction which was refund (see ante) . l. v 
against the charge of vagueness, the orders il ; 
serving, and explains that the establishment 
absolutely necessary to enable the < 
that as Sir J. Outram had authority fr 
tain any number of irrej; 
orders of Her Majesty 
Finally requests that 
Council ] 

Military Secretary inflicts on him, 


. t v r \ — . > a u,uuo j puiuiw cut tnac rms order was 
: 0 i ndl ^ :l ^ forei £ n vessel, and the establishment was conse^ 
i 3 ~ — — — y -vvuxuuirut uie uare of his return. A copv was 

obtained from the Adjutant General’s Office, and submitted for Government 

‘ ^ ““ * i e ) • Remarks that it is not for him to defend 

of the General under whom he was 
in question was found to bo 
operations of the force to proceed. Also 
„ f ' rom Her Majesty's Government to enter- 
^ular troops the charge of vagueness must rest on the 
s ministry if anywhere. 

} consideration of his services the Governor in 
may be moved to relieve him from the continued annoyance which tb 



APPENDIX F, 


Abstract of Correspondence relating to the- Composition and Des- 
patch of the Force. 


Memorandum by Commanded ti-Ckief, dated Punah, 8th August 1880. 

To transport an army of 5,000 men of all arms, it was calculated would 
uire 13 steam vessels and 8 transports of 1,000 tons each ; 

1 transport in addition, for ... ... ... Hospital Ship. 

z. . ** , » ... ... Ammunition. 

5 transports „ ... ... ... Provisions. 

Hie tents to go on the orlop deck of each merchant ship. 


Letter from the Quarter Master General, to the Secretary to Government, Military Depart- 
ment, Bombay, dated 24th August 1856. 

Submits the following 
Island of Kh; 

Assuming 
and that it r 
and that for any tilt 
mander-in-Chief 
including* a la 
available, and on 


[g opinions and suggestions on the occupation of the 
araj and District of Bushire in the Persian Gulf. 
l 5 the duty of the force is to be limited to the above objects, 
opposition at one or possibly both places 
s it will be largely reinforced, the Com- 
a force of not less than 5,000 of all arms 
arge proportion of Europeans and of field artillery should be made 
1 y every account he considers the numbers named the least that 
should be provided. 

States that the annexed table shows the composition of tbe proposed force 
and other information in connection therewith. The total shown amounts 
to more than 5,000 men, and if necessary, a regiment of native infantry can 
be omitted. J 

States that the average length of ship passage to Bushire in October and 
November, is about 30 days, and therefore recommends that as large a portion 
of the force apossible may be sent in steamers. The Punah Horse may be sent 
on Arab baglahs. But some place of rendezvous should be selected in order 
to ensure the arrival of the entire force simultaneously off Bushire. 

Recommends the provision on each transport of a large number of boats 
for landing purposes, &c., and platform boats in addition for use as gun boats 
and for landing guns without dismounting. 

Remarks that some bunder boats sent from Bombay in 1819 to Ras-uh 
Khan were found very useful, those furnished by the Imam of Maseat 
drawing too much water to be of any use, but if the former are sent the 
crews should be well selected and bound to do their duty. 9 

Points out that in selecting transports and allotting troops to them the 
rules as to space and baggage should be carefully attended to, and great 'care 
should be taken m stowing the artillery and ordnance stores, the latter 
being under the superintendence of an ordnance officer, and the stores put 
away in such manner as to be at once available in presence of tbe enemy. 

Recommends the provision of liberal supplies of warm clothing for all 
troops and public followers, as the climate of Persia is understood to be 
severe for natives. 



' 


162 

States that the Commander-in-Chief believes that ample supplies are to bo 
had in the country, but in case they may not he available, our Agents in Meso- 
potamia must be depended upon to meet the wants of the force. Remarks 
that it is desirable to reduce the number of followers as much as possible, and 
one class, dooly hearers, can be dispensed with, mule litters and camel kaja- 
was being used for the sick, and in order to aid in their construction as well 
as in case the force has to he hutted, the Commander-in-Chief recommends the 
despatch of an artificer establishment on a much larger scale than usual, 
and also advises the establishment of a large depot of tents, ammunition, 
and stores of all kinds, including shoes and clothing on the island of Kharaj 
or on the mainland, as may be found most expedient. 

Among minor matters the Commander-in-Chief recommends the issue to 
the cavalry of leathern chaguls, altered as taken to the Crimea by the 10th 
Hussars and also of forage nets, as well as tin or wooden canteens to the 
remaining troops, and havresacks to all. 

As the Commander-In-Chief considers an advance into the interior out 
of the question, states that report of all further requirements can he made by 
the officer in command of the troops as soon as he has ascertained his wants. 

Adds that although the troops can he ready for embarkation by the 
time specified if the transports are ready to receive them, yet it is considered 
desirable that longer notice should be given to enable departments, &c., to do 
their work in a complete manner. 




g d 

B g 

W ft 

3S8SS g 

r(HHH : 

300 1 

008 

006 

1 1 

s 

o> 

f .... : 



■on « 

«r 




Abstract of Statement showing strength of Force. 
European officers 

European and native non-commissioned, rank and file 
Fol lowers ... ... 

Horses 

Guns 

Bullocks ... ... ... 


Statement showing the probable tonnage that will be required . 

Provisions, forage, grain, &c., for the voyage about 
Do. <?ra»n, &c., for the march ... 

Dead stock calculated at half of the tonnage of the provisions 
Water 3,200 butts about (4 lacs gallons) 

Commissariat followers and cattle about ... 

To meet contingencies, about ... ... 


Ho. 2407, dated 27th August 1856, from Military Department, to Quarter Master 

G eneral. 

Approves of tlie arrangements made by the Commander-in-Chief, but states 
that it seems to the Right Honourable the Governor to be doubtful whether 
for the first and immediate object of the expedition, it is necessary or desir- 
able to send so large a number of cavalry and mounted artillery as the Cora- 
maBder-in-Cliiet has proposed. His Lordship in Council thinks that for the 
present at all events, the Dragoons and one troop of horse artillery may 
be regarded as supernumerary, and be reserved to form part of a second divi- 
sion. Further recommends the substitution of a line regiment (Native) for 
the Baluch Battalion ; and adds that the Commander-in-ChieFs recommenda- 
tion as regards warm clothing, provision of transports, boats, and formation 
of an Artificer corps, will receive due attention. 


Letter dated Puuah, 28th August 1856, from Quarter Master General, to Military Depart- 

merit* 

States that the Commander-in-Chief in recommending the despatch of the 
Dragoons and of so large a body of horse artillery, was and is, under the con- 
viction that it is necessary to be fully prepared after disembarkation, not only 
against probable attempts at surprise from the enemy, but to be able to seize 
and hold the wells, about two miles from Buslxire, to send out patrols and to 
support foraging parties, and for all these duties the Commander-in-Chief does 
not consider the force proposed , numerically strong. Further it is considered 
advisable to give the native cavalry the support of European cavalry, with 
which they will acquire the requisite confidence, owing to their not having 
heretofore met the Persians as enemies, and to the size and bravery of the 
latter. 



No. 899, dated 30th Angus! 185(5, from the Quarter Master General, to the Commandant of 

Artillery. 

for I"/ 0 ™ 8 1 ' i , m S afc . the fo !’ owin § stre »Sth of artillery has been sanctioned 
tor service m the Persian g-ulf ; — 

o 

3rd Troop Horse Artillery from Punnh, 6 gnus. 

A European Horse Artillery from Ahmednugger, 6 guns. 

^ 4 ... ( 2— IS Pounders. 

Leserve Artillery European, dittos 


No. 1774, dated 2nd September 1856, from the Commissary General, to the Quarter Master 

General. 

, f ta |f tba * °l A V' S ha rl | een served upon the boat contractors to supply 
Arab baglahs for 400 Irregular Horse. When tendered, they wilPbe 
surveyed, and provisioned, aud will be ready within 6 or 8 days. liemarks that 
the probable length of passage by Arab “ baglahs” is from 45 to 50 days. 

2(1 rl«v? l i at < tr00pS P roeeedlD g in the steamers will be provided with 
20 days rations for use on the passage, and a month's stock of shorer ations 
for use of the force will also be despatched. 

The sanction to employ Arab “ baglahs” was eventually negatived 

onhfa 1 1, 10 ^ receipt of letter stating that under instructions from Cal- 

trieted ^ Z f frr a ry ^ part 0f tlie ex P ed itionary force is res- 
trieted to 300, and of European infantry, to one regiment ; and states that 

nnt a tT- D PTn- S 5 aviDg beenaItered > His Excellency 5 the Commander-in-Chief 
now. thinks it his duty to represent that in ease of hostilities he does not 

pu / ey milltar y grounds the number of either arm as now restricted 



■I— 


Points out that a force of 5,000 encamped on a plain requires a large 
body of cavalry to protect supplies and foragers and to watch over its 
safety, 300 men would therefore soon he knocked up by disease engendered 
by hard work. With regard to European soldiers, states that every authority, 
His Excellency has consulted, is of opinion that the force should be particularly 
strong in this arm. The numbers will probably be greatly reduced by sickness, 
&c., and the impression made on the people will be infinitely weakened if J the 
proposed reduction be carried outs 


Memorandum on the requirements of a Division to he embarked for service to Persia.' 

It will be highly necessary that the troops proceeding on this service be ; 
furnished with perfectly serviceable arms and accoutrements. The muskets 
of the 2nd European Regiment (if I remember right) and most of those with 
the fusiliers are as bad. It would be well if the troop could be completed 
with the new description of belts. 

Should the 4th Rifles be ordered for service, it will be necessary to look to 
the service ammunition. That issued for the 60th Royal Rifles at Karachi 
in 1848 was too large and the whole was re-made by Captain Finnimore, 
Deputy Commissary of Ordnance. 

It is understood that the baggage animals for the force will he mules and 
camels. The efficiency of the force will be materially influenced by the 
arrangements which may be ordered for packing the men^s kits. Nothing 
destroys animals so quickly as carrying ill-arranged bundles. 

The method of packing the canvas bags should be laid down as respects the 
rotation in which the different articles should be placed in it ; so that all may 
be uniform. It will be necessary at once to take in hand the marching order 
for the soldiers, European and Native. 

The perishable portion of the soldiers uniform and necessaries should be 
placed in the knapsack and when this is determined upon, it should be made 
known for the guidance of all. . 

The orders for the Field Force will, it is supposed, emanate from the Com- 
mander. The Bombay column, Army of the Punjab took for its guide, the 
orders of Major-Oeneral Robert Crawford, modified to the requirements of 
campaigning in India. 

Regiments proceeding to Persia should be increased to 800 effective pri- 
vates by selected Volunteers from other Corps. 

Depot companies should be established at Bombay and Karachi to the 
extent of 100 men for each regiment and 25 men for each Troop, Company and 
Battery of Artillery and sappers and miners, embarked on this service. These 
should be completed also by volunteers or drafts and the depot be attached 
to a regiment at the before mentioned station. 

The vacancies occasioned by this measure to be filled up by recruiting 
without loss of time. 

As opportunities occur, drafts from the depot, should be sent to join the 
service companies. By these means regiments and detachments would be 
kept complete, and the depot companies would entail no expense beyond the 
small native staff required for their discipline. 

Men proposed to be brought before the annual invaliding committee 
should be examined without delay. The retention of weakly men with Regi- 
ments proceeding on field service is most baneful They fill the hospitals and 
doolies* ‘ V.'"'- '“.VV" r ' 7 ' ' . ! • 



Station. 


Natives, 


3 Troops Horae Battery 
4th, Company 1st Battalion 


6 6* Pounders Pun ah. 


Artillery „A 


Reserve 


Ahmednaggar. 


2 8-inebes 
Howitzers. 


: Engineers 
Cavalry 


..2 Companies, Sapper i 

4 Troops Punah Horse ... 

Her Majesty’s 64th Regi- 
ment. 

2nd European Light Infantry 
4th Native Infantry Rifles 
6th Native Light Infantry 
, 20th Native Infantry ..... 


Punah. 

Seroor. 

Belgaum, 


Hyderabad. 

Punah, 


Bombay. 

Belgaum. 


Europeans 

Natives 


18 Pield. 


Grand Total 


Punah, 31st August 1856. 

Above was stated to be estimated strength only, as the corps would he 
completed to their proper establishment. r 


No. 4008, dated 31st August 1856, from the Adjutant General, to the Military Department 

(Bombay). 

By direction of the Commander-In-Chief I have the honor to convey Hh 
Excellency s recommendation to the Royal Highness the Governor in Counci 
that the undermentioned staff be sanctioned for the field force under prepara- 
tion for service m Persia : r 1 

Commands . 

A General Officer to command the force. 

A Pield Officer to command the Artillery. 

Two 2nd Class Brigadiers of Infantry. 

Divisional and Brigade Staff, 

1 Assistant Adjutant General. 

1 Deputy Assistant Adjutant General. 

1 Assistant Quarter-Master General. 

2 Deputy Assistant Quarter-Masters General. 

1 Deputy Judge Advocate General. 

1 Paymaster. 



1 Assistant Commissary General. 

1 Deputy Assistant Commissary General. 

$ Sub-Assistant Commissaries General. 

I Commissary of Ordnance. 

1 Commanding Engineer. 

2 Field Engineers. 

4 Assistant Field Engineers. 

1 Brigade Major of Artillery. 

2 Bridgade Majors of Infantry. 

1 Superintending Surgeon. 

1 Field Surgeon. „ 0 

I Deputy Medical Storekeeper and Staff Surgeon. 

1 Chaplain. 

The officer commanding the force to appoint one 
Commissaries to the charge of Bazars and to make sue 
may deem requisite, with respect to the appointment 
Masters, Provost Marshal, &c., &c., submitting his non 
quarters in the usual manner for confirmation. 


3 same scale for the Divisional 
eld Force sent to the Punjab in 18*4*8, as 
ed for service in Persia is of somewhat less 
to believe that it will be eventually, in- 
Exeellency has proposed an additional 
* , of a third officer will 

on the present oeea- 


The Commander-in-Chief has proposed the 
S taff that was sanctioned for 
although the force at present 
total strength, there appears r 
creased to a still greater one. His - 

Deputy Assistant Quarter-Master General as the services 
he think he absolutely necessary, with that Department 
sion. - V 

No. 4012, dated 31st August 1856, from the Adjutant General, to the Secretary, Medical 
■ Board. 

" Bequests them to nominate Medical Officers for the following appoint 
meats: 

Superintending Surgeon. 

Field Surgeon. 

Deputy Medical Storekeeper and Staff Surgeon. 

And states that the Commander-in-Chief considers Superintending Surged 
Collier the most efficient medical officer available for this service. 

Also requests them to make arrangements for completing the medica 
establishments and for providing the additional medical officers and Dieli 
Establishment which they may consider requisite. 


No. 2260, dated 2nd September 1836, from the Secretary, Medical Board, to the Adjutant 

General. 

Furnishes list of Medical Officers, See., recommended for appointment. 
List as under received sanction of Commander-in-Chief : 

Surgeon Mackenzie ... ... Superintending Surgeon. 

Surgeon Stovel ... - Field Surgeon. 

Assistant Surgeon Mills ... Deputy Medical Storekeeper and Staff 

Surgeon. 

Surgeon Ward ... ... In charge of the Artillery. 





Assistant Surgeons. 

Hammond and Dick ... ... To be appointed to the 2nd European Light 

Infantry. 

"Glasse ... ... To join the force. 

Plumptre ... ... To accompany detachment of Artillery 

from Nuggar. 

Wheatlez ... ... To proceed to Bombay to join the Force. 

General J Bell ... ... To accompany the Sappers, 

duty. J McConnell ... ... To accompany 3rd Troop Horse Artillery. 

Box well ... ... To be attached to 4 — I with Horse Battery 

from Karachi. 

Cruicksbank ... To join the Force. 

l^E. T. Burrowes. 

To be attached to the Field Force. 

Hospital Steward J. Cross ... With the rank of Acting Apothecary. 

Assistant Apothecary P. T. DeSouza, With the rank of Acting Hospital Steward. 
„ „ J. Nazareth ... General duty, Punah. 

„ „ J. D. Thompson „ „ Sind. 

» » W. Pmto ... )) ,, 

h », A. Pereira ... Medical Store Department. 

1st Hospital Assistant N. Agostino ... General duty Presidency Division. 

Acting Hospital Assistant Bhica Prub General duty, Punah. 

2nd Hospital Assistant A, Barretto ... With the rank of Acting 1st Hospital 

Assistant. 

„ „ P. J. De Silva Marine Battalion, 

u Bacher Sing 6th Regiment Native Infantry, Tanna. 


No. 2477, dated 3rd September 1856, from Military Department, to the Adjutant General. 

In reply to 4O0S states that the- Governor General in Council generally 
approves of the scale of staff for the force, subject to such modifications as 
may hereafter be found expedient, to suit the employment of particular officers, 
whose services it may be deemed desirable to employ upon the expedition. 

Staff' of Expedition. 

Major General F. Stalker, c.b., to command the Force. 

Brigadiers , 2nd Class. 

Colonel J. Stopford, C. B. ... Her Majesty’s 61th Foot. 

„ R. W. Honner ... ... 4th Pvegiment Native Infantry (Rifle Corps). 

Staff. 

Captain (Brigadier Lieutenant-Colonel) 

R. R. Younghusband * * 

Captain J. A. Collier 
„ J. Wray 
Lieutenant W. V. She well 
„ T. J. Holland 

Captain (Brevet Major) H. Boye 
« » 3, H. J. Barr 

Major G. Pope 
Lieutenant W. F. Gordon 
9f W. Gray 
** M. W. Willoughby 
99 EL L’Estrange 
99 D. D. Thain 
Captain C. P. Rigby ... 

„ B. K. Fxnnimore 


hi Superintendent of Bazars, 
m. Commissary of Ordnance. 
Commanding Engineers. 



WmBBm 



Lieutenant J. W. Playfair 
J. 0. B. Close 
- J* S. Trevor 
„ C. J. Merrimen 
„ C. W. Pinch 

W. W. Goodfeliow 
Surgeon T. Mackenzie ... 

„ M. Stovell 

„ Assistant Surgean J. Mills 
Revd. G. A. F. Watson... 


| Pield Engineers. 


Assistant Field Engineers. 


Superintending Surgeon. . 

Field Surgeon. 

Deputy Medical Storekeeper and Staff Sur- 
■ ■ goon. ■ 

Chaplain. 


Letter dated 4th September 1856, from the Secretary to the Government with the Right Hon- 
ourable the Governor (Bombay), to the Secretary to the Government of India. 

Forwards copy of No. 954 (foregoing letter) and recommends the addition 
of 300 more cavalry to the force, and states that two squadrons of a native 
cavalry regiment now at Rajkot in K at t-y war can conveniently he embarked 
at Porebunder. 

Recommends the substitution of a British infantry regiment for one of 
the native regiments, as the Military authorities concur in the opinion that 
the force should contain a large proportion of Europeans. 

States that in order to diminish the expense of transport, it has been 
proposed to send the Irregular Horse dismounted, and procure horses for them 
in Persia, but that this plan has not received the concurrence of the Comman- 
der-in- Chief and has been laid aside because it is neither practicable nor 
desirable as long as the irregular horse, are the only cavalry attached to the 
force; should however, 300 regular cavalry be sent, the whole might he 
despatched without necessitating any additional number of transports. 

No. 954, dated 4th September 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military 

Department. 

Adds a strong expression of the Commander-in-Chiefs disapproval of the 
reduction in question. 

No. 2505, dated 8th September 1856, from the Military Department, to the Quarter Master 

General. 

States that the Governor in Council approves of the strength and compo- 
sition of the force as detailed, subject to modification. 

With regard to the Punah Irregular Horse observes by desire of the 
Governor that His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief is aware that Govern- 
ment has pointed out to the Government of India the advantage of sending the 
men of that corps dismounted, in the event of 300 regular cavalry being 
added to the force. 

Adds that for the present more need not be determined, than that the 
Punah Horse, if sent with their horses will be transported without their 
baggage cattle at the public expense^ 

No. 88, dated 8th September 1856, from the Inspector General of Ordnance and Magazines, 

‘ to the Adjutant General. 4 

With regard to request that the spare or reserve wagons of the 3rd Troop 
Horse Artillery and of Nos. 3 and 5 Horse Field Batteries may be equipped with 
harness for horse or mule draft as circumstances may render expedient, states 
that he will make application to Government for the requisite sanction to the 
above arrangement; but points out that horse harness is the only kind recognised 





' 171 

and provided for in the Army accoutrement contract. Mule harness would 
therefore require to be made up and the contractor could demand whatever 
price he pleased for it, horse harness could however be issued at once from the 
arsenal stock. 


No. 5, dated 8th September 1856, from the Military Auditor General, to the Adjutant 

General. 

Intimates that the Superintendent of Family Payments is ready to make 
all the necessary arrangements respecting the family remittances of the Native 
Troops, ordered on service, and that Lithographed Forms are prepared and will 
be forwarded on application. 

Adds that the women may be permitted to reside at any station in the 
Presidency where troops are located, or pensioners receive their stipends. 


No. 4235, dated 12th September 1856, from the Deputy Adjutant General, to the Ins- 
pector General , Ordnance. 

In reply to No. 88, communicates the desire of the Commander-ia-Chief 
that Horse harness should be prepared for the batteries in question. 


No. 733, dated 17th September 1856, from the Commandant of Artillery, to the Adjutant 

General (Bombay). 

Suggests that the Royal Pattern store cart attached to Light Field Bat- 
teries which is equipped for Bullocks (for which description of draft it is best 
adopted) may for the present service be fitted with loops and swingletrees for 
horse draft, in case of such draft only being available. 


No. 2015, dated 8th September 1856, from gthe Military Department, to the Adjutant 

General. 

Governor in Council sanctions transfer from the Remount Depot attached 
to the 14th Dragoons to the Horse Brigade of such number of horses as may 
be required to complete the Troop proceeding with the Field Force under 
preparation for Persia. 


No. 1062, dated 19th September 1856, from the Adjutant General, to the Military 

Dep irtment. 

Commandant |of Artillery represents, having seen horses at the depot 
attached to 14th Dragoons some horses better suited for foot batteries than for 
Dragoons therefore recommends that they may be made available if their cost 
is not much in excess of regulations. 

As No. 1, Light Field Battery, was horsed up to the Field complement with 
trained horses from Battery at Sholapoor, thinks it necessary that the latter 
should be completed at once and accordingly. Commander-in-Chief recom- 
mends that Lieutenant Colonel Scabie, Remount Agent, and Lieutenant and 
Adjutant Wallace, Horse Brigade, may be permitted to point out the horses 
alluded to and make further selections as His Excellency considers, that a few 
horses of a more powerful description than those which can be purchased for 
the sum laid down, are required for the wheel 



Ko. 2918, dated 3rd October 1856, from the Military Department, to the Adjutant General, 
Approves of the above. 


No. 107, dated 13th September 1056, from the Officer Commanding 1st Baluch Battalion, to 

the Bridge Major. Karachi 

States that the officers and men of all ranks have volunteered for active 
service, and as the battalion was raised for service within the province, hopes 
that the soldierlike feeling which prompted the request may obtain for it, the 
favourable consideration of Government, 


Extract of No. 2618, dated 16th September 1856, from the Military Department, to the 

Adjutant General. 

Captain Rigby (Superintendent of Bazaars at Punah} is to be appointed 
Bazaar master to the expeditionary force, and it is desired that he should pro* 
ceed in advance together with officers of the Commissariat Department 
and one of the Quarter Master General's Department. 


Letter from Captain Rigby, dated Bushire, 30th December 1S56, to Military Department. 

Requests that a decision may be arrived at regarding the amount of staff 
allowance granted him in his present office,' as in addition to his duties as 
Bazaar Superintendent he has charge of the entire police duties 1 in the Town of 
Bushire, has to raise and equip a police force, perform all the magisterial 
duties including the trial of minor civil suits, and to superintend the cleaning 
of the whole town, &c. Therefore trusts that he may be granted a somewhat 
higher allowances than that granted to a Superintendent of Bazaars. 


No. 1986, dated 19th September 1856, from the Commissary General, to the Adjutant 

General. 

Points out that soldiers from European Regiments, were attached to the 
Commissariat Department as Butchers during the first and second campaigns 
in Afghanistan, were paid at the rate of 10 per mensem and were liable to 
recall if required. Requests that a similar arrangement may be made in con- 
nection with the Persian .Field Force. 


No. 1023, dated 11th September 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military 

Departmeut. 

With regard to the opinion of the Right Honourable the Governor in 
Council, that the Punah Horse should be sent to Persia dismounted, if the 
Government of India sanction the despatch of two squadrons 3rd Cavalry ; 
states that the Commander-in-Chief trusts, should it he possible to procure 
tonnage for the full number of horses, that the Governor will reconsider his 
opinion, as the whole of the cavalry will be required from the first, and delay 
would necessarily occur in procuring horses and rendering them fit for service, 
and this would probably overwork the cavalry men and render them unfit for 
service ; and adds that the want of a sufficient number of light cavalry would 
seriously cripple the movements of the force. 


Betura showing the staff with followers, &c., proceeding to Persia and embarking at Karachi and Yingorla. 



‘nanx 

sjaDgjo 10 


'•^ooung 


.saaogjo 


•3M poti V™# *po 
-U 0 ISSIUUUO 3 -UOX pus 
pauoissuuiuuQ baijbx 


' 0 IT 5 pmt ^hbjj panots 
■sjouiuoo-tioj^ uBadoing 


•saooipo 


’sjaaigo ttBadcwmg 



ssora pn® ‘naui 
pa® saaotgo jo 




.swofflo 


*®UJ P tm ^ ltB H ‘P 3 
-aoissiuaiuoyuo^ pu® 
paabissiuicaoo a-Micft 


' 8 IM P n13 *V 3n0l - s 
-siiuiuo^-uo^ a-codcantf; 


•siaogjo 


‘awogjO n®adojna 


Cu *4 *•> W^g C5 

g^«WQ3W<jO* 



















1181 


No. 1083 of 16th September 1836, from the Quartermaster-General, to the President, Special 

Committee, Bombay. r 

In addition to the foregoing return, states that the 2nd European Light 

Probable stbekgth. 3rd Light Cavalry. gantry now at Hyderabad, and 
9»d r;„if * toe Head-quarters^ and 2nd Squadron 

mere ^ . ... li 3rd Regiment Light Cavalry at 
d" C °Offi c e Ts> Ra i kot > are to proceed to Persia. , ; .V 

rank and file 300 The 2nd European Light Infantry 
Uowers ...300 and 2nd Baluch battalion will eai- 

mef 3 •" si ^ark from Karachi, the 3rd Cavalry 

...340 from Porebuncler, and Her Majesty's , 
6 1th and the 20th Native Infantry 

from Vingorla. 


Officers 

Kon -Commissioned 
'..'Officers rank and 
file 

Followers 
.'Horses' ' 

Bullocks 





sun*) 

*** »' •** ggooung 

"* *** *** sdsjiOH 

*** wajttono^ 

• *** tpyj: ptce pau siao 

350 pouoisspaiuio^-aoii 9At$B& put? aB3dojng[ 
j” ••• ' sjadtpQ UBQdoipg 


•sjuoj put? 

©SuSSuq JO JtJJOJ put?j£) 


’sjaa^ s^arpjog 


•sjusj s.asD^o 


•saaojs ssara pats § 

uamputs swogjo b 


•aoppcnmtay 


•SJ92JXMOH /;8 


Mspanog si 


w *sa:9zjL4iOH ‘sanJs 
g p I a 5 * japuuoa Si 


g -sjazjuvojj sunS 
O P l 9 g uapunog fg 


■sutiS p^giaptmoj g 


•sunii ppg laptmoj 6 


•s^aoitog 


'siOMOgoj 


’SClQOIJ OAIJUil 


# U saotgo panois 
•siunno^-uojn treado-mg 


‘suoogjo undoing 


*****> (Sd.) J. HOLLAND, Lieut. -Colonel, 

The 14th September 1856. Quartermaster General. 



&o. 2a 95 of 15th September 1856, from the Military Department, to the Quartermaster 

General. 

By desire of the Governor in Council, requests the Commander-in-Chie£ 
to name the regiment of European infantry to be added to the force and 
that of native infantry withdrawn, also to issue orders for the two squadrons 
of native cavalry at Rajkot to be prepared for movement and embarkation 
at Porebunder. 

Solicits His Excellency’s attention to the plan proposed of sending the 
Punah Horse dismounted or partly mounted, and states that, Government will 
be happy to receive a report upon the manner in which the arrangement eonld 
be most efficiently carried out. 

No. 3089, dated 14th October 1856, from the Military Department, to the Adjutant 

Genera], 

Conveys sanction of the Government of India to the augmentation of the 
Native Regiments proceeding on service, to their full establishment of 800 
privates. 

2nd European Light Infantry made up to 800 privates by transfers from 1st Fusiliers. 

Extract letter from Deputy Adjutant General 

Volunteers for 5th Native Light Infantry. 

The men should be from 2 to 8 years’ service, if possible well trained light 
infantry soldiers, and Commanding Officers must be careful to explain to their 
Regiments in communicating these. instructions that while absent from India 
on foreign service the sepoys will be entitled to extra clothing, vide G. G. O. 
12th December 1855, full data, and money rations, the latter as fixed in page 
70 of Jameson’s Code and under paragraphs 106-107, page 69. Volunteers came 
forward in plenty to complete the establishments of regiments ordered to Persia 
provided that on return they were allowed to revert to their own Regiments. ’ 

No. 2721, dated 20th September 1856, from the Military Department, to the Quartermaster 

General 

Intimates that in deference to the opinion expressed by the Commander-in- 
Chief, Government will no longer pursue the plan of sending the Punah 
Horse dismounted, but as the instructions of the Government of India limit 
the cavalry to 400 as “ amply sufficient”, and as the transport of the horses 
is the most difficult part of the expedition, the Governor in Council considers 
that the detachment Punah Horse should not exceed 200. The cavalry arm 
will then number 500 sabres in addition to the mounted artillerv. 



' . 


Karachi 







r 4th company 1st Battalion Artillery. 

2nd European Regiment. 

C Baluch battalion. 

Memorandum, 


Seven transports as follows : 

f Melbourne. 


Artillery 


Baja of Co akin. 
Madge Wildfire . 
lery Sibella. 

Merse . 

Dacotah. 

JMirzapoor. 

Four transports as follows : 

(Abdulla 

.igtt Cavalry -\jZZma Z 

\JFairlie ... 

Two transports as follows : 


3rd Light Cavalry 


rdnali Horae -.\SZ the great Z nj j Will ca.t, the Funa. Hors, 

The following steamers and transports will he sent to Fmgorla : 

(Precursor ... 497 150 Her Majesty’s 64th foot. 

64th Foot Pottinger ... 500 145 

Horses. Bullocks, Sepoys. Fallow- 

itr x- T e + (Unknown ... 19 27 384 50 >20tli Regim 

20th Native Infantry | Unknown ... 18 2 400 87 ) Native Infant 


I Are being fitted up and will eon- 
y tain all the artillery including 
j the reserves and the reserve 
I ordnance and stores. 

J 


Horses. 

. 100 } 

. 74 ( Will take up the whole of the 3rd 
. 84 C Light Cavalry at Porebunder. 

. 80 J 

Horses. 

** | Will carry the Punah Horse. 


The Sappers and Mi-/ 

■ 2nd European Regiment 

Men, 

1,112' 

ners and remaining) 

i 4th Rifles 

. 1,003 

Infantry of the! 

i Balucb Battalion 

. 925 

force. v 

. Sappers and Miners .. 

. 320. 


Total 

. 3,360 


_ ■■ x j. t $ i ( Unknown ... 19 27 384 50 *> 20th Regiment 

20th Native Infantry Unknown ... 18 2 400 87 ) Native Infantry. 

These are to be two large transports ( not yet taken up) to convey the 
whole of the 20th Native Infantry with the camp equipage and horses of the 
64th regiment . 

There will then remain : 


Including followers. 


or say a total of 8,500 infantry to be conveyed, which the Commander-in- 
Chief, Indian Navy, proposes to "do in, the following eleven steamers, at an 
average of about 32G men in each, which would give a total of 8,520, about the 
required number. 

Assay e, Punjab, Feroze , Ajdaha , Berenice , Semiramis , Victoria , Hugh Lindsay , 
CJiusan , 6cindian, Bombay . 

The Zenobia may also be available. The Ordnance and Commissariat 
stores, followers and bullocks, will require additional transport. 

The Commander-in- Chief intends to have a special powder ship, also a 
hospital ship. 

Total number of transports will be about 21. 

No. 1853, dated 30th September 1856, from Quartermaster General, to Transport 

Committee. 

Bequests that the attention of the Committee may be directed to the 
providing some means of personal ablution to the troops on the steamers and 
transports, and that a small but suitable place may be marked off on each 
vessel as a sick bay. 








No. 3129, dated 17th October 1856, from the Military Department, to the Commander-in-Chief, 

Indian Navy, 

Requests him to arrange the time and order of sailing of the transports 
and to name the place which he desires to recommend as the first rendezvous 
of the expedition after leaving India. States that as orders may he received 
by the next mail for the immediate despatch of the force, and as the prepara- 
tions are in an advanced state, the Governor in Council considers that the 
time has arrived for the final arrangements to be made for the embarkation 
of the troops and the disposition of the transports. Intimates that it appears 
to be advisable to separate the fleet into three distinct divisions— 

1st, — the Bombay Division. 

2nd, — the Vingorla Division. 

3rd, — the Karachi and Porebunder Division. 

and states that the Governor in Council is aware that it may not be practic- 
able to make these divisions entirely distinct, it being difficult to divide the 
steamers so as to exactly accord with the sailing transports at each point of 
embarkation, but an approximation may be effected, and the arrangements 
may be governed by the principle of keeping the three divisions as distinct 
as may be practicable. 

Remarks that on the issue of the final order for departure, the 2nd and 
3rd divisions should be despatched first, and they should not be required to 
communicate with the Presidency, but on receiving their complement of 
troops, stores, &e., should sail for the rendezvous previously given, each division 
would thus make the voyage separately and there would be no risk of the 
confusion that may be expected if the fleet is kept together. Informs him 
that an officer of the Quarter Master GeneraPs and Commissariat Departments 
will be present at Vingorla and Porebunder to superintend the embarkation, 
and requests him to take measures to ensure the presence also of an Indian 
Naval officer of sufficient standing to command and control all naval oper- 
ations of each division until united under a superior command at the place of 
rendezvous . 

Requests that a small steamer may be employed at Porebunder to tow the 
boats with the horses off to the transports, also that a fast steamer may be held 
in readiness to proceed to the gulf immediately after the arrival of the mail. 


No. 459, dated 23rd October 1856, from the Superintending Surgeon, Sind, to the Secretary, 

Medical Board. 

Reports that there are 325 men in Hospital of the 2nd European Light 
Infantry with slight Intermittent Fever contracted during the passage down 
the Indus through the creeks. 


No. 810, dated 23rd October 1856, from the General Officer Commanding Sind Division, 

to the Adjutant General. 

Reports that the sickness in the 2nd European Regiment, Light Infantry 
has increased to a great extent. They arrived from Hyderabad, on 19th 
instant. 

The prevailing disease is fever of a simple character such as is generally 
met with at this season of the year in Sind, and the General Officer Command- 
ing concurs with the Medical authorities in opinion, that with the change and 
rest the disease will disappear. 

Requests orders however in regard to attaching two or more companies of 
the Fusiliers to the corps in the event of a sudden embarkation. Number 
of sick on morning of date was 340. 


180 . ' - 

■Ho. 1918, dated 29th October 1856, from the Adjutant General, to the General Officer 

Commanding Sind Division. 

Intimates that in the event of the 2nd European Regiment, being unfit 
to embark on the arrival of the Transports at Karachi, the 1st European 
Regiment (Fusiliers) must take its place, but that in the event of the sickness 
having abated and it having been decided to embark the 2nd Europeans, the 
General Officer Commanding is at liberty to attach to it two or more compa-* 
nies from the Fusiliers. 






Ho. 8251, dated 24th October 1856, from the Military Department, to the Quarter Master 

i'^. ; General. 



The expedition which will States that a despatch as per margin has been 

«*** «•»■» «■« h.. *™™., «„* 

as it can be completed, proceed requests the Lommander-in-Cmef to take upon 
to its destination in the Gulf of himself the immediate superintendence of the 
Fersm * despatch of the force and make all the necessary 

arrangements in connection therewith : naval matters to be arranged 
with Sir H. Leeke,who has been given the command of the fleet and to whose 
discretion the order of sailing and appointment of places of rendezvous have 
been entrusted. 

Intimates that the troops take one months rations with them and that 
the Commissary General has been instructed to prepare provisions and stores 
for one month more, to be forwarded hereafter. Adds that there is a small 
supply of Enfield rifles in the arsenal, and requests the Commander-in-Chiefs 
opinion as to the advisability of issuing about 500 to be at the disposition 
of the officer in command. 

In conclusion points out that it may be possible to obtain the services of 
an officer who has passed at Hythe and of some Non-commissioned officers 
who have been instructed in the use of the Enfield rifle, to teach the men 
the method of using the weapon. 


Ho. 829, dated 31st October 1S56, from the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Navy, to the 

Governor in Council. 

Reports that the men of war of the Indian Navy are all ready for imme- 
diate service, and that the transports of the 4th division, that is those for 
Vingorla, are also ready to proceed. States that the transports of the 2nd 
and 3rd divisions will be ready to proceed to Porebunder and Karachi 
very shortly, and requests orders as to sending them off. 

Adds that the 1st and last division, that is the vessels to embark the 4th 
Rifles, Artillery, and Punah Horse, will be ready to receive the troops at any 
time after 5th November. 

Ho. 6456, dated 7th Hovember 1856, from the Adjutant General, to Major-General Stalker, 

C.B. 

Conveys the assurance of the trust reposed by the Commander-in-Chief 
that he will maintain in the force, the most perfect discipline and efficiency, and 
points out that the material of which the force is composed is in every way 
complete and that the staff departmental officers have been selected with every 
regard to their qualifications for affording the General Officer Commanding, 
effective aid in the performance of their respective duties. 




No, 526, dated lltli November 1856, from the Deputy Adjutant General, to the Adjutant 

General of the Army. 

Intimates that he inspected the 64th Foot and the £0fch Native Infantry M 
Vingorla, prior to departure for Persia,, and found both corps in a very efficient 
state and in the highest spirits at the prospect of active service. Points out 
that the wooden canteens now in the men's possession are useless and that there 
is a great want of uniformity in the accoutrement. Also that the ration for the 
European Troops — frd of all of salt meat is much too small, and that the amount 
of tea is also insufficient. 


Better No* 88, dated 17th November 1856, from the Bombay Government, to the Di: 

East India Company. 


9. We beg to report that the last portion of the expedition, which is 
comprised of the following corps, accompanied by Major General Stalker and 
Sir Henry Leeke, left the Bombay Harbour for the Persian gulf on the 18th 
instant : 


Total sxbisgth. 


Native Com- 
European missioned 
non-commis- and Non- 
sioned, Rank Commission- 
aad Tile, ed, Rank and 
Pile. 


European 
Commission- 
ed Officers. 


Horses, 


3rd Troop Horse Artillery 

1st Company 1st Brigade Artillery with No. 3 Light Field 
Battery, . 

4th Company 1st Brigade 'Artillery with No. 5 Light Field 
Battery. 

Heserve Artillery ... ... ... 

Two Squadrons 3rd Regiment Light Cavalry 

Two Troops Punali Irregular Horse 

Two Companies Sappers and Miners ... ... 

Her Majesty’s 64th Regiment ... ... 

Hon’ble Company’s 2nd Regiment European Light Infantry ... 
4fch Regiment Native Infantry (Rifles) ... 

•20th Regiment Native Infantry 

•2nd. Bal&eh Battalion ... ... ... ... 


Total 


Abstract of total force comprising the expedition 
European Commissioned Officers 
European non-commissioned rank and file ,, 

Native ditto 


Grand Total 


Total No. -of Horses 





10. The following further statement exhibits the names, number of 
guns and tonnage o£ the vessels belonging to the Indian Navy which have 
been despatched with the expedition to the Persian Gulf : 


Tonnage. 


Number of guns. 


Name. 


Bate of sailing. 


'Remarks. 


Punjab Steam vessel 


1,800 Tons ... Ten 68-pounders 


, 12-pounder 
and 2, 0-pound- 
er brass boat 
:guns*.': 

( 12-pounder 
and 2, 3-pound- 
er brass boat 
guns. 

, 12-pounder 
and 2, 3-pound- 
er brass boat 
guns. 

t 3-pounder 
boat guns. 


Six 63-pounders 


Semirami* 


>8fch November 1856. 


Two 68-pounders and two 
32-pounders. 


Jjdaha 


Four 32-pounders 


Victoria 


One 32-pounder ... J 

Four G8*pounders and four ) 
32-pounders. } 


2, 12-pounder 
and 2, 3-pound- 
er boat guns. 

2, 12-pounder 
and 2, 3-pound- 
er brass boat 
guns. 

11th November 1856. 1, 12-pounder 

and 2, 3-pound- 
er boat guns, 

15th November 1856. One 3-pounder 
boat gun. 


Ten 68-pounders 


Assage 


Fourteen 32-pounders 


Clive Sloop 


Ten 18-pounders 


Euphrates, Brig 


1st Division , 


Natives, 


Corps or Department. 


2nd European Regiment Light 
Infantry ... 

Her Majesty’s 64th Regiment 

3rd Regiment Light Cavalry 

Pfinah Irregular Horse 

4th Regiment Native Infantry 
(Rifles) ... ... 

20fch Regiment Native Infantry ... 

Sappers and Miners .»« 

2nd Baluck Battalion ... 


* 13 Officers to join not included, 
t 2 more officers possibly to join not included, 




artillery men may probably be spared from the 1st Division when perfectly 
established in the occupation of Bushire, and application will be made to the 
Madras Government for the aid of a company of Sappers, if they possibly can 
be spared from the army of that Presidency. 

5. The Commauder-in-Chief will observe that the greater part of the 
troops above named have already been told of, and held ready as a reserve for 
reinforcing the force now operating in the Gulf of Persia. The additional 
troop of Horse Artillery may be taken from Karachi, if that at Punah can- 
not be completed in time, and the Sind Horse has been specially indicated for 
the service by the Home Government. 

6. All these Corps should be immediately warned, and every preparation 
made for movement and embarkation as soon as transports can be got ready, 
and the Governor in Couneil will he glad to receive, as early as convenient 
an embarkation return of the whole force for the guidance of the naval 
authorities, together with a statement of the dates on which the several corps 
may be at the point where they are to be embarked. 

7. The same proportionate number of artificers should he attached to the 
Batteries, as proceeded with those of the 1st division, and I am to convey 
to vou authority to augment the corps of Tent Lascars to the extent recom-* 
mended in your letter of the 22nd instant. The staff of the 2nd division is 
to include the complete establishment of a Land Transport Corps as before 
proposed. 

8 Under ordinary circumstances the Eight Honourable the Governor m 
Council would not have directed the despatch on distant service of so very large 
a part of the forces of this Presidency without consulting His Excellency the 
Commander-in-Chief, but as time is of great importance His Lordship in council 
has anticipated His Excellency’s concurrence, and has already referred to the 
Government of India for assistance in supplying such part of the force with- 
drawn as may he essentially necessary to ensure the continued peace of the 
country, and to diminish in some measure the severity of the duty which must 
Ml upon the troops remaining in our garrisons and cantonments. 

9. The Governor in Council will be happy to receive the Commander-in- 


No. 4109, dated 26th December 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military 

Department 

With the view of placing at the disposal of Government the three regi- 
ments of Native Infantry required for the additional force to be sent to Persia, 
I am directed by the Commander-in-Chief to submit for sanction the follow- 
ing proposition. 

2. The 26th Regiment Native Infantry now on route to Poona may he 

considered ready and available. 

lb As submitted in my confidential letter of 24th August last, a Native 
Infantry regiment may be divided between Bhuj and Rajkote, and one of these 
regiments made available for service, or if the jail and civil duties performed 
by the Brigade at Ahmedabad can be taken by the Police, one regiment can 
be reduced from Ahmedabad. 



4. A Light Battalion may be formed by taking the Light Companies of 

6 «4tiSt native th ! Regjments noted in the margin, 
tfsntiy. ' 5. in regard to this last measure, I have been direct- 

Stli Hegiraent Light In- ed in accordance with the understood desire of the Right, ; 

st^Rogimcut Native Iu- IloI ? ourable t fae . Governor in Council, to order the com- 
utry. panics in question to prepare for movement, 

iith Eegiment Native 6. The Commander-in-Chief understands that Gov- 
ir!Ii try \> . 4 . xt ** ermnent has applied for sanction to increase the mi&-' 
fan try. tgm U1 ‘ tt ne Wished strength of Regiments to 800 privates, but so 
22nd Regiment Native exhausted are we by the large drafts made on this small > 
tr*l ry » . • t v , 4 . arm y> an d so severe has the duty become in every quay- - ' 
fan try, l8funui ' x a nc ter, that His Excellency desires rne strongly to reedm- 
* 27th Regiment Native mend an additional increase of 100 men per regiment 

_ for those regiments whence the Light Companies are 
£Jt i Kcginuut Native withdrawn. 1 


Ro. 4154, dated 27th December 1856, from ' the Quarter. 'Master. General, to the 

Adjutant General.' ■ 

Intimates that the following troops have been ordered to be prepared for 
service in Persia. 

4th Troop Horse Artillery from Karachi. ' ' 

1st Company 2nd Battalion Artillery with No, 2 Light Field Battery ■ 
now en. route from Sholapore to Piinah. 

Tier Majesty's 14th Light Dragoons from Kirin. 

One Regiment, Sind Irregular Horse- from Sind, 

Her Majesty's 78th Highlanders from Punah. 

23rd Regiment Native Light Infantry. from Rajkote. 

26th Regiment Native Infantry now' en route from Sattara to Piinah. 

; A flank battalion composed of the Light Companies, 2nd Grenadiers, 3rd 
5th, 8th, 1 1th, 15th, 22nd, 25th, 28th, and 29th Native Infantry. 

1\S — A wing, 17th Native Infantry, has been ordered from Bhuj- for 
duty -at Rajkote. 


No. 4170, dated 29th December 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the 
Adjutant General, 

States that Government have applied for the augmentation of all 
the Native Regiments to the strength of 800 privates, and of those which are 
to lose their Light Companies, to 900 privates. That consequent on a 
representation by the Political Superintendent of Kolapore of a want of troops 
the Light Company 28th Native Infantry has been substituted for that of 
the 27 tli Native Infantry. 

That the Commandant of Artillery has been directed to complete the 4th 
troop Horse Artillery at Karachi to the full field establishment and to report 
to you whether he proposes any and what increase to the Artillery staff. 

That the Commissary General is of opinion that the same proportion of 
Commissariat Officers and Establishment should accompany the force as were 
sent with the force lately despatched. 

Adds that the troops approved by Government have been warned for ser- 
vice, and that Major Curtis, the officer recommended by the Commander-in- 
Chief as director of the Land Transport Corps, has been ordered to Bombay 
and is now in communication with the Quarter Master General 





Mo. 7150, dated 29th December 1856, from the Adjutant General, to the Secretary, 

Medical Board. 

Requests the Board to appoint the Medical staff for the second division* 
and also to nominate a Medical Officers to superintend the whole medical 
arrangements of the two divisions* under such designation as they may think 
advisable to adopt. 

Appointments. 

Field Surgeon M. Stovell to be ... Superintending Surgeon, 1st Division. 

Surgeon Burn, Artillery ... Field Surgeon, 1st Division. 

it A. Stewart, 14th Dragoons ... Field Surgeon 2nd Division. 

,» Nailson, 20th Regiment, Native Infantry Surgeon of the Artillery. 

»j. Lodwiek, 4th Rifles ... „ 2nd Divison. 

„ Butko, 26th Native Infantry ... 3rd Cavalry. 

« Belly ... 4th Rifles. 

Assistant Surgeon Bayne «», 20th Native Infantry. 

Surgeon W. Davey ... Deputy Medical Storekeeper and Store- 

keepers, 2nd Division. 

„ Barnett ... 26tli Native Infantry. 

N. B. — It is to be presumed that Surgeon Mackenzie was placed in charge of the whole force*, 
hut the papers don’t show who was appointed. 


No. 14 of 25th November 1856, from Quarter Master General, Punak, to the 
Adjutant General. 

Forwards Extract from letter from Commandant of Artillery for Com- 
mander-in-Chieffs orders. 

“ The completion of the 1st troop can only he effected by a draft from the 
4-th troop at Karachi. The recruits expected from England will not I 
believe exceed 60 men, a number so inadequate to meet our present and prob- 
able wants that I would suggest for His Excellency^ consideration, the 
expediency of inviting approved volunteers from the Infantry for Artillery 
service or of making a selection from that branch of the service to meet 
our wants. ^ 

If the remount agent is unable to afford present assistance towards com- 
pleting the 1st Troop, I would suggest that a selection from the Crimean 
remounts may be made towards this desired end. 


No. 65, dated 1st December 1856, from the Adjutant General, to the Military 

Department. 

Commander-in-Chief recommends that a Light Field Battery be as soon 
as possible completed with the garrison establishment of horses and constituted 
a Horsed Field Battery in supereession of bullock draft it being in his opinion 
highly xepedient that a Horsed Battery should be organised at Ahmednug- 
gur ready for any emergency. 


Alio jlo cauiaublcu* its rtjuruics are no n expected (i. believe; some- 

thing must be done for its relief. Volunteering from the Line has been 
permitted by Government to recruit the Native Artillery and perhaps might 
be sanctioned from the European Infantry on the present occasion. 

The Volunteers should be sent to the several batteries for training to 
admit of trained men being withdrawn therefrom to meet the present emer- 
gency. 



2 The Remount agent to whom I have spoken, thinks he could at once ' 
obtain about 30 horses towards the completion of the Sholapore Battery it wants 
57 to complete it to the full field establishment. He must have a Committee 
though to pass the horses and I therefore propose for sanction the assembly of 
•a special one composed as follows i 

Major Prescott. 

Lieutenant Wallace. 

A. M. B. Artillery. . 

Captain Aitkin, Artillery, 

We have no Veterinary Surgeon available. Never mind? 

3. The Crimean depot won't yield many remounts towards the completion 
of the 1st troop, A few may be selected, but for the bulk, we must trust to the 
Agent. The market won't yield them yet ; and if we go to war with our sup- 
plies, there is a chance of our supplies being cut short!!! But what about the 
annual Remount Committee ? let us have that in orders, and assembled as soon 
as possible to expedite matters. 

4. A set of carriages will, I understand, be supplied from the Grand 
Arsenal for the Sholapore Battery. 


Wo. 3884, dated 8th December 1856, from the Military Department, to the Adjutant General. 

Sanctions such horses remaining in the depot attached to the 14th Bra- 
goons, as maybe fit for Horse Artillery being made available for the 1st Troop 
Horse Brigade at Punah. 


Ho. 198, dated 24th February 1857, from General Officer Commanding Sind Division, Kara- 
chi, to the Adjutant General, Bombay. 

Reports departure of the 4th Troop Horse Artillery for Persian Gulf that 


Ho. 4018, dated 17th December 1856, from the Military Department, to the Adjutant General 

States that orders have been given for the purchase of 57 horses to com- 
plete one of the Light Field Batteries to its full field strength, and intimates 
that orders will be given for the purchase of 50 additional horses for Battery 
draft, which may hereafter be applied, either in exchange for bullock draft or 
to fill up casualties in the batteries of the existing establishment. 


Ho. 8, dated 22nd December 1856, from Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan. 

Suggests that a mountain train as per margin be procured from Bombay 
with full equipment, also that mules should be pur- 
chased for this train as well as horses for the spare 
wagons of the 3rd Troop Horse Artillery and Nos. 8 
and 5 Light Field Batteries the labour of breaking in 
these afterwards to draught being a work of time. ° 

Brings to notice the insufficiency of the siege train and recommends that it 
should be increased from Bombay by — 

2, 18-pounder guns. 

2, 8-inch howitzers, 

with the established proportion of shot and shell 


3,.. 3-pounder, /guns. 

3, 12- pounder howitzers. 
2, 4f mortars. 








No. 33, dated Bushire, 23rd December 1856, from Major-General Stalker, to tie Adjutant 

General, Bombay. 

Forwards letter from Lieutenant Colonel Trevelyan and states that he con- 
curs with the Lieutenant Colonel in considering that for an advance into the 
interior it is very desirable to have a mountain train with the force, and that 
the proposed increase to the siege train appears very desirable. Adds that he 
has authorised Lieutenant Colonel Trevelyan to commence the purchase of 
horses for the spare wagons which are at present without draft animals, but 
has desired that the orders of the Comroander-in-Chief should be taken regard- 
ing purchase of mules for mountain train. 

* — 

No. 66, dated 3rd January 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Adjutant General. 

States Government have desired that Her Majesty’s 78th and a Native 
Infantry Regiment (the 26tli) shall be sent to the Persian Gulf as soon 
as the necessary arrangements can be made, adding that the “ staff equipment 
and following of a complete Brigade should he embarked at the same time” 
and calls for report whether he (Adjutant General) can send any, and what 
nortion of the Division or Brigade Staff of the 2nd Division with this ' Bri- 


Major General Stalker, c. b., to select an officer as Superintendent of Bazaars 
at Bushire, in the place of Captain Rigby, whose knowledge of the Persian 
lano-uao-e will naturally be very useful in that department in the Head Quar- 
ters Staff. 

, Field Force. 

Lieutenant-General Sir J. Outram, K. c. b. ... To Command. _ 

To Command 1st Division. 

To Command 2nd Division. 

To Command the Cavalry. 

Seacb Quarter Staff, 

Lieutenant Colonel R. R. Younghusband ... Deputy Adjutant General. 

Captain J. Wray ... ... m. Deputy Quarter Master General. 

Captain J. A. Macdonald ... ... Deputy Assistant Quarter Master 

1 General. 

Major H. Boye ... . ... ... Deputy Judge Advocate General, 

Paymaster. 

Lieutenant Colonel G. Pope ... ... Deputy Commissary General. 

Captain C. B. Rigby ... ... Superintendent of Bazaars. 

Captain B. K. Tinnimore ... ... Commissary of Ordnance. 

Lieutenant J. Ballard, o.b. ... ... Assistant Quarter Master General 

and Superintendent, Intelligence 
Department. 

Major J. Hill ... ... ... Commanding Engineer. 

' MaiorW. P. Curtis ... ... Director, Land Transport Corps. 





Captain W. W. Taylor 
Captain R. P. Warden 
Lieutenant C. E. Boodle 
„ W. A. Armstrong 
„ A. R. Wilson 
„ D. B. Young 
,, G. S. Morris 
„ H, Moore 


1st Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps. 

1st Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps. 

1st Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps, and Staff Officer. 

2nd Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps. 

2nd Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps. 

3rd Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps. 

3rd Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps. 

3rd Assistant Director, Land Trans- 
port Corps and Interpreter in 
Persian and Arabic. 


Artillery . 


BRIGADE STAFF. 


Lieutenant Colonel H. W, Trevelyan 
Captain J. Pottinger 


... Commanding, 
it. Major of Brigade. 


1st Division. 


Commanding and Aide-de-Camp. 

Captain J. A. Collier ... ... Assistant Adjutant General. 

„ W. W. Sbewell ... ... Assistant Quarter Master General. 

Major P. P. Christie ... ... Deputy Judge Advocate General. 

Deputy Paymaster. 

Captain J. B. Dunsterville ... ... Assistant Commissary General. 

Lieutenant W. Gray ... ... Deputy Assistant Commissary Gen- 

■ ■ . ' eral. .. 

„ J. P. Mignon ... ... Sub- Assistant Commissary General. 

„ E. LeStrange ... ... Sub-Assistant Commissary General. 

„ D, D. Thain ... ... Sub- Assistant Commissary General. 

», G. B. Mellersb ... ... Deputy Commissary of Ordnance. 

Captain W. Dickinson ... ... Field Engineer and Commanding 

Sappers and M iners. 

Lieutenant C. J. Merriman ... ... Field Engineer. 

„ G. M. Duncan ... ... Assistant Engineer. 

„ H. Pyne ... ... Assistant Engineer. 

Surgeon M. Stoveli ... ... Superintending Surgeon. 

„ A. Burn, M. D. _ ... ... Field Surgeon. 

Assistant Surgeon J. Mills* ... *... Deputy Medical Storekeeper and 

, Staff Surgeon. 

Reverend G. A. F. Watson ... ... Chaplain. 

3rd Troop, Horse Artillery. 

1st Company, 1st Battalion European Artillery. 

4th Company, 1st Battalion European Artillery. 

2nd Company, 4th Battalion (Reserve) Artillery. 

3rd Regiment, Light Cavalry (2 Squadrons). 

Head Quarters and 2 troops, Punah Irregular Horse. 

Her Majesty's 64th Regiment of foot. 

2nd European Regiment, Light Infantry. 

4th Regiment, Night Infantry (Rifles). 

20th Regiment, Native Infantry. 

2nd Baluch Battalion. 

Head Quarters and 2 Companies. 

Corps of Sappers and Miners. 


















I H0MHM 


I 




*j ( ' f " , 

I i : 




H 


Cavalry. 

Lieutenant Colonel F. Tapp ... ... Commanding:, 

1st Infantry Brigade. 


Brigadier N. Wilson, K. H. ... ... Commanding. 

Major C. W. Sibley ... ... Major of Brigade. 

2nd Infantry Brigade. 

Brigadier R. W. Honner ... ... Commanding. 

Captain C. P. Aitcbison ... ... Major of Brigade. 


Engineer Department. 


Captain 0. Dickinson 


Meld Engineer and Commanding 
Sappers and Miners. 


2nd Division. 


Commanding and Aidc-de-Camp. 


Captain P. J. Holland 


A. W. Lucas 


Lieutenant W. W. Willoughby 
„ F. D. Steuart 

„ W. W. Blowers 

9} E. H. Sliewell 

J. W. Playfair 
„ W. W. Goodfellow 

j, C.W. Finch 

„ J.LeMesurier 

„ J. Hills ... 

Burgeon J. Mackenzie 
„ J. Deas 

Assistant Surgeon W. Davey 


Assistant Quarter Master General. 

* Deputy Paymaster. 

Deputy Assistant Commissary Gen- 
eral. 

Sub- Assistant Commissary General. 
Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Field Engineer. 

Ditto. 

Assistant Engineer. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Superintendent Surgeon. 

Field Surgeon. 

Deputy Medical Storekeeper and 
Staff Surgeon. 


4th Troop, Horse Artillery. 

1st Company, 2nd Battalion European Artillery. 

Reserve Artillery and Mountain Train. 

Her Majesty’s 14th Regiment (the Kings) Light Dragoons. 
1st Regiment, Sind Irregular Horse. 

Her Majesty’s 7Sth Highlanders. 

23rd Regiment, Native Light Infantry, 

26th Regiment, Native Infantry. 

Light Battalion. 


BRIGADE STAFF. 


Artillery. 


Lieutenant Colonel G. Hutt, c, B. ... Commanding. 

Captain H. M. Douglas ... ... Major of Brigade, 

Cavalry . 

Brigadier Colonel C. Stewart ... ... Commanding. 

1st Infantry Brigade . 

Brigadier W. Hamilton ... ... Commanding. 

2nd Infantry Brigade. 

Brigadier J. Hale ... ... Commanding, 

Engineer Department. 

Major J. Hill t » „♦ Commanding. 








m 




' .. ■ : 


fi 


No. 75, dated 5th January 1857, from the Adjutant General, to the Military 

Department. 

Applies for sanction to the employment of a Chief of the Staff with the 
Persian force, and in explanation of the necessity for making- this appointment 
(a novel one in India) point out as Lieutenant General Outram will have the 
entire political and Military control and Command of the forces in Persia, it 
would be impossible for him to receive the reports from and give orders to the 
various officers of the several departments and at the same time conduct the 
other important duties which will devolve upon him. 

An Officer therefore should be selected who from his standing in the army 
perfect acquaintance with the routine of the several departments, and habit of 
giving instructions on such subjects, will be able to collate the reports, and 
issuing orders thereon, submit to the Lieutenant General only such as he should 
be made acquainted with, and thus relieve Lieutenant General Outram of a 
burden too onerous for any one officer to carry on, also perform his highly 
important civil duties. 

No. 391, dated 14th January 1857, from the Adjutant General, to the Military 

Department. 

Proposes the following Establishments and allowances for Chief of Staff : 


Office tentage 


Es. 

75 

per mensem. 

1 Head Clerk, European 


100 

» 

1 2nd „ 

... ... 

60 


1 Head Clerk, Native 

... ... 

80 

99 

1 2nd „ „ 

... ... 

60 

99 

1 3rd „ a * *• 

... 

50 

99 

4 Peons Pay and Batta as 

sanctioned for this 

class 

of servant in other 


Establishments. 


im ; 




Probable Return of Officers, Troops, Followers, Horses and Bullocks, forming 2nd Division 
of the Persian Gulf Expeditionary Force, Bombay, Both December 1856. 


Corps or Department. 


Pour Troops Hors© Artillery - ... v ... 

6 

1 

150 

25 ! 

240 

50 

12 

230 

4 

1 Company 2nd Brigade Artillery with 
No. 2 Light Field. Battery. 

5 

*** 

103 

97 

130 

40 

8 

125 

4 

Her Majesty’s 14th Light Dragoons 

22 

3 

700 

... 

600 

150 

60 

700 

24 

One Regiment Sind Irregular Horse 

4 

... 


800 

500 

50 

10 

800 

... 

One Company Sappers and Miners 

2 

... 

5 

120 

22 

23 

2 

... 

2 

Her Majesty’s 78th Highlanders 

28 

3 

900 

... 

ISO 

150 

25 


30 

23rd Regiment Native Light Infantry 

20 

... 

... 

800 

50 

ICO 

16 

... 

10 

26th Regiment Native Infantry... 

20 

... 

... 

800 

50 

100 

10 

... 

10 

Light Battalion 

30 

... 

... 

900 

! 

50 

135 

30 


10 

Total 

137 

7 

1,858 j 

3,512 j 

1,822 

803 

169 

1,855 

04. 


General Officer Commanding and Aide-de- ^ 
Camp. 

Brigadiers and Brigade Majors ... 

Artillery Commandant and Staff 
Chaplains 

Adjutant General’s and Post Office Depart- 
ments. 

Quarter Master General’s Department ... 

Judge Advocate General’s Department ... 

Commissariat Department 

Pay Master’s Department 

Ordnance Department 

Engineer Department 

Medical Department... 

Provost Marshal ... ... ... , 


Grastd Total 


Extract from a Minute from the Right Honourable the Governor General of India, 
dated the 7th January 1857. 

Para. 16. — The entire force asked for By General Outram is placed at 
his command. It includes; over and jtbove t the three Regiments of Native 



Infantry, and one Regiment of Irregular Cavalry which are specified Iti the 
despatch of the Secret Committee : 

One Troop of Horse Artillery. 

One Company of Foot Artillery t 

Mountain Train. 

Her Majesty’s 14tli Dragoons. 

Her Majesty’s 78th Highlanders. 

One Company of Sappers. 

Baggage Corps. 

Four Captains and twelve Subalterns for the Arab Levies. 

17. The whole of the above force with the exception of the sappers, will 
be drawn from the Bombay Presidency, which will then be left too weak in 
troops for home service. The deficiency so far as native infantry or artillery 
is concerned can be supplied without any difficulty from Bengal. 

18. The services of Lieutenant-Colonel Jacob have been given to Sir 
James Outram, and in order to secure that those services shall be available in 
the command of the whole of the cavalry, as to the expediency of which I 
fully concur with Sir James Gutram, I propose that Lieutenant-Colonel 
Jacob shall receive from the Governor-General in Council, the rank of Briga- 
dier-General for particular service in Persia. 


Minute by the Governor General, dated 10th January 1857. 

Concurred in by the Members of Council . 

Army in Persia. 

Proposes that the command of the 2nd Division be given to ah officer of 
the Queen’s Army (Colonel Havelock) also that, as Sir James Outram is 
charged with other duties besides the command of the whole .force, a Chief 
of the Staff be appointed, the selection of the officer being left to the Govern- 
ment of Bombay. 


General Orders. 

By the Right HoiPble the Governor General of India in Council. 

* Fort William , 12 ik January 1857. 

No. 70 A. of 1857. With reference to General- Order No. 24 of 6th 
instant> Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, k.c.b., is appointed to the 
command of the Expeditionary Force in Persia. 

The following Personal Staff is authorised fof Lieutenant-General Sir 
James Outram, k.c.b. 

A Military Secretary and a.d.c. An Aide-de-camp. A Persian Inter- 
preter. 

The following Officers are directed to proceed forthwith, and place them- 
selves under the orders of Lieutenant-General Sir James Outram, k. c.b., 
and they are appointed to the Expeditionary Force with the rank of Brigadier- 
General. 

Colonel H. Havelock, c.b.. Her Majesty's Service {h. p. unattached) 
Adjutant General of the Queen's Forces serving in the East Indies, to com- 
mand the 2nd Division of the Force. 




■ i j 
H | ju 






' MM 

. y*A 

1 ' . JV :■ • " yj 

: ^ ' i 
■: - a/.* 

mm 




194 

Lieutenant Colonel .Tames Jacob, C. B., Bombay Artffle.j and Comttan 
ant of the Sind Irregular Horse', to command the cavalry ot the h orce. 

An officer of rank will be appointed Chief of the Staff of the Expeditionary 
Force, for the purpose of superintending and controlling all the Staff Depart- 
ments, under, the immediate orders of the Lieutenant General Commanding. 
The officer to be appointed Chief of the Staff will be selected by the Gov- 

eminent of Bombay. 

' (ScL) R. I. H. Biuch, Colonel , 

Secretary to the Government of India * 





Military De 


N6. 431, dated 16th January 1857, from the Quarter Master General to the Adjutant Ge 

Tarn directed bv His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief to acquaint you 

that th'e following troops will embik for the Persian Gulf on the vessels and 
dates specified : vessels. nates. 







Head Quarter Wing 

Her Majesty’s 78th Highlanders 

Left Wing do. 


26th Regiment Native Infantry. 


.Precursor 

Potting er 
and 
Kingston 

Karl of Clare 
British Queen 


17th January 1857* 
18tli January 1857. 

17th January 1857# 



No. 451, dated 21st January 1857, from Military Department, to the Adjutant General. 
States that the Government of India has sanctioned the proposed raising 

. t u- strength of Regiments of Native Infantry, including the Marine Batta- 

.hid, lose their Light Compan.et, by the 

formation of the Light Battalion for Service in Persia to 900. 

No 652, dated 23rd January 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Adjutant General. 

States that the intended despatch of the Regiment of Smd Horse on ser- 
vice to Persia is countermanded, and that a Regiment of In egu ar avaiy 

Cmd Silo., will embark for Persia in lieu of the Smd Home ^ 

Punali Horse ... *** *** 30O 

Southern Hahratta Horse «... — ““ ’**830 

Ouzerat Irregular Horse ••• ••• *** 

; 800 

No. 820 of 29th January 1857, from Quarter Master General, to the 

Ad ^Stetes < that the order for the Sind Horse to embark for Persia as originally 
directed is to hold good. 




No. 634 of 28th January 1857, from the Military Department, to the Adjutant General. 

’ Sanctions the Office establishment proposed for Colonel Lngwd, °* 

the Stafi: and States that with respect the allowances to be gianted to him 
reference* has been made to the Government of India. 








No. 732, dated 22nd January 1857, from Government of India, Military Department,* to 

Military Department, Bombay. 

Sanctions for Chief of Staff a consolidated salary of Rs. £,070 a month 
inclusive of every allowance in the field except net pay of rank that being the 
salary allowed to Brigadier-Generals not on the permanent Divisional Staff 
appointed to command divisions in the field. 


Extract from Military Department, No. 530, dated 17th January 1856, relative to the 
proposed appointment of a u Chief of tliejStaff.” 

It will be necessary to select an officer who from his standing in the Army, 
perfect acquaintance with the routine of the several Departments, and habit 
of giving* instructions on such subjects, will be able to collate the reports, and 
issuing "orders thereon, submit to the Lieutenant-General only such as he 
should be made acquainted with, and thus relieve Lieutenant-General Outram 
of a* burden which is too onerous for any one officer to carry on, and also 
perform Ms highly important civil duties. 


Telegram 644 — 30 of 30th January 1857, from the Government of India, Military Depart- 
ment, to the Secretary to the Government of Bombay, Military Department. 

Desires Bombay Government not to send the Sind Horse to Persia, but 
the Irregulars, viz : — Southern Mahratta Horse 300, Guzrati Horse 300, .and 
Pun ah Horse 200. 


No. 639 of 28 th January 1857, from the Military Department, to the Quarter 

Master General. 

States that under present circumstances the Government consider that all 
the serviceable mules or ponies belonging to the men of corps of Irregular Horse 
proceeding to Persia, should if possible, be taken with them. 

• Minute by the Governor General, dated 7th February 1857. 

Remarks that in a few days the last Regiments of • the second division 
of the army for Persia will have left Bombay. This will place at the disposal 
of Lieutenant-General Outram a force amounting to something less than twelve 
thousand rnen* of all arms of which about one-third -will be Europeans. The 
proportion of Cavalry will be about two thousand six hundred. 

Goes on to show that very large reinforcements will be required before 
extending the operations, and that as the European ti’oops in India are under 
the establishment, the utmost number that can be spared is three regiments. 

Further proposes to retain the 10th and 29th regiments, which would 
otherwise return to England, and that the remaining regiment required to 
complete the Bengal' establishment be sent out from England, as also the 
force which will be needed as a reserve, — at the lowest estimate two Regi- 
ments. 

# 1st Division (under Major-General Stalker) 5,820 of all arms, of which 2,270 are Europeans. 

2nd Division (under Brigadier General Havelock) 5,340 of all arms, of which about 1,770 are 
Europeans, 

Add 800 Cavalry (200 Regular and 600 Irregular) about to be scut as a reinforcement of the 
1st Division, =» 11,960 in all. 



Adds that the request to be made to Her Majesty's Government will stand 

thus : 

“That the four regiments already announced for embarkation in the 
summer of 1857 be despatched. 

It will now be desirable that three of these should be sent to Bombay and 
one to Madras, not two to Madras and two to Karachi as had been desired 
by His Excellency the Commander-in-Ghief. It will also be necessary that 
their arrival should not be postponed beyond the usual time in September. 

That three more Regiments be sent out, also to Bombay. The arrival of 
these may conveniently be fixed two months later. 

That the 10th and &9th Regiments be retained by the Government of 
India/' 

In conclusion states that the present demand admits of no delay, and 
that upon the cessation of hostilities the supernumerary Regiment will return 
at once to England. 

No. 27 of 9th February 1857, from the Officer Commanding Punah Irregular Horse, 
Bush ire, to the Quarter Master General, Bombay. 

Requests that the Aden Police (if they have not yet left Bombay) may 
be sent to the Deccan, and a detachment of similar strength from the Punah 
Horse despatched to Persia in their place, as he is of opinion that his own 
men will be worth double their number of Police. 


■Madras troops as far as possible took the place of Bombay troops sent to 

Punah, 


Military Department No. 1436, dated Bombay Castle, 10th March 1857. 

States that as it is of importance to give General Outrarn another 
European regiment of infantry, the Governor in Council will avail himself of 
the return of the Punjab from the Persian Gulf, to despatch the 3rd Euro- 
peans from —that the Madias Government have been requested to 

send the regiment intended for Bushire to Bombay to take the place of the 
3rd — that a European company of artillery with guns but without hoi*ses, has 
been sent by the Aden and the Madras company awaiting passage to Rangoon 
has been detained for duty in Bombay (a second Madras Company would be 
of great use, but there is no steamer to send ior it) : and that the Bombay 
Government can provide another Golundaz company for Bushire, and also the 
native infantry regiment, which General Outrarn requires. 


Telegram, dated 14th March 1857, from the Military Secretary at Madras, to the Military* 

Secretary, Calcutta. 

“ Oriental 33 in the roads. Fusiliers completely equipped for active service, 
one-fourth armed with Enfield rifles, and will be embarked- on Monday 
morning for Bushire unless peremptory prohibition is received from Govern- 
ment of India, and this Government earnestly entreats that the regiment 
may still be allowed to go to Bushire, irrespectively of the regiment from 
Bombay. This Government is prepared to incur great risk to meet all urgent 
call for active service, but this presidency is now so drained of European 
Troops that Government would urgently protest against detaching when 
merely for garrison duty elsewhere. Wing of 43rd will be at Madras in a few 
days, and it would be very advisable (?unadvisable) to turn them back to 
Mangalore at this advanced Season. 





Telegram, dated 14th March 185!', from Military Department, Calcutta, to Military 

Department, Bombay. 

The Madras Fusiliers will go to Bushire direct, embarking od 16th instant 
on steamer Oriental . 


No, 1727, dated 20th March 1857, from Military Department, to the Quarter Master 

General. 

* States that the requisition made by Lieutenant-General Sir J Outram for 
additional Troops to reinforce Bushire, in addition to the whole of those 

detailed for the 2nd Division, extended to the following, viz : 

One European Infantry Regiment. 

Two Native Infantry Regiments. 

One Troop Horse Artillery. 

One Horsed Battery Foot Artillery. 

Guns of Position. 

This requisition is answered by — 

European Fusiliers from Madras. 

25th Regiment of Native Infantry. 

European Company with Battery from Bombay. 

* Golundaz » and horses from Bhui. 

Guns sent per cc Aden.” J 

One Native Infantry Regiment remains to be supplied and solicits inform- 
ation as to what Regiment lias been selected. 


Extract No. 1326 of 7th March 1857, from the Military Department, to the Judge Advocate 

2. Unless regularly subjected to Military Law, the Officers and men now 

going on service will, or joining the army, be rendered amenable to Military 
Law as camp followers — not as soldiers. J 

3. They ought therefore like the Punah Irregular Horse to he formally 
brought under the articles of war as military men before leaving India and the 
officers provided with commissions to empower them to command those of infe- 
rior rank and to render them available for all duties on which commissioned 
officers in the native branch of the army are liable to be employed. 


No. 1318, dated 18th February 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Adjutant 

General. J 

States that a detachment consisting of an officer and 60 men Her Males- 
ty’s 61«th Regiment, has been ordered from Belgaum to Vingorla there to 
embark in one of the steamers which will tow the transports of Her Majesty’s 
14th Dragoons to Bushire, and to join Regimental Head Quarters. J 3 


* 











198 







ready to march immediately on field service to Persia, and that the Head Quar- 
ters and 3 companies will go in the Punjab ” at an early date, and the 
remainder of the Regiment as soon as ships are ready. 

r # 

Ho. 1610, dated 4th March 1857, from the Adjutant General, to the Military Department. 
Forwards foregoing letter and recommends that the Remount Agent be 




instructed immediately to purchase horses for replacing casualties in the 
artillery of the Persian Force and for the spare wagons. 





Ho. 1471 of 12th March 1857, from the Military Department, to the Adjutant General. 

Forwards copy of No. 1471, addressed to the Remount Agent in which he 
is authorised to purchase horses for the batteries without the intervention of a 
committee, taking care that they are serviceable and of a reasonable price. 

Ho. 1698, datad 5th March 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Adjutant General. 

Intimates that the 3rd Company 2nd Battalion Artillery now in Bombay, 
will embark on the Peninsular and Oriental Steamer Aden on the Till 
instant. 

Also the 4th Company 3rd Battalion Golundauze with No. 8 Light Field 
Battery at Bhuj, has been ordered to be placed on the field establishment 
immediately and embarked as soon as possible. 

Extract Ho. 1562, dated 16th March 1857, from the Military Department, to the 
\ Adjutant General. 

The Governor in Council is of opinion that the whole corps should be brought 
under martial law at once, and assimilated in this respect to the Sind Horse and 
the Pdnali Horse, and I am to convey to you the authority of Government that 
this measure may be carried out in such manner as His Excellency the Com- 
mander-in-Chief may deem most proper. 

No. 112 of 18th March, by the Judge Advocate General. 

It is necessary to make known to the officers and men of the Southern Mah- 
ratta Horse that henceforth they will be amenable to all the provisions of 
Military Law, and to direct that the articles of war for the native branch of the 
army be fully explained to them, offering at the same time a discharge to those 
persons who may be unwilling to serve under military control — excepting how- 
ever from such discharge the officers and men of the detachment proceeding to 
Persia, who, as accepted volunteers for Field Service are already subject to 
military law. The measure of subjecting the Southern Mahratta Horse to 
military law should then be publicly notified by (jovernment. 

P.S . — The Secretary to Government makes use of the words a Martial Law** 
in describing the law to which the Southern Mahratta Horse is to be subjects. 
But 1 beg to observe that u Martial Law^ is generally applied to the exercise 
of military power at periods when the ordinary course of law is in abeyance, and 
extending to Civilians as well as military men, sometimes subjects a whole 


jgj | | H : 




kingdom to its control. But military 
tary men are disciplined and governed, 


No. 114, dated 23rd March 1857, from the Commandant, Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse, 

to the Adjutant General. 

States that tlie Southern Mahratta Horse are as a body pleased at their 
being placed under military law, and that he has written to Light Battery to 
inform tlie officers and men at Sattara, that Government has been pleased to 
direct their transfer to the Military Department and that they will be placed 
on the same footing as the Punali Horse. 


Military Department, No. 1920 of 31st March 1857. 

“Colonel Lugard, C. B., Chief of the Staff of the Expeditionary Force in 
Persia, has been appointed a Brigadier-General from tbe 12th January last. 

jV, B , — Above is copy of a telegram, from Government of India, to Gov- 
ernment, Bombay. 


No* 2485, dated 4th April 1857, from the Adjutant General, Bombay, to the Lieutenant-Gen-, 
eral Commanding the Persian Expeditionary Force. 

# Requests that on the arrival of the undermentioned corps at Bushire, he 
will post them to divisions as may seem most expedient : 

3rd Company 2nd Battalion of Artillery. 

4th Company 3rd Battalion of Artillery ♦ 

3rd Squadron Southern Mahratta Irregular Horse, Aden Mounted Police 
Troop. 

1st Madras European Regiment (Fusiliers). 

10th Regiment Native Infantry. 

25th Regiment Native Infantry. 


No. 5422, dated 12th August 1857, from the Adjutant General, to the Military Department. 

Conveys the recommendation of the Governor-General in Council that a 
G. G. O. may be issued announcing that the Southern Mahratta Irregular 
Horse has been formed into a Military Corps with effect from 16th March 
1857. 

Order in question was published on 25th August 1857® 





' APPENDIX GL 

ABSTRACT OF THE CORRESPONDENCE REBATING TO THE LaND TRANSPORT C0fi#9 

and Transport generally. 


transport, and calls for report showing the arrangements maae ior providing; 
necessaries on them and on the steamers for the troops. 

No. 9, dated 1st March 1857, from Lieutenant General Sir J. Oiitram, K.C.B., to Quarter 

Master General, Bombay. 

- Requests that some cotton boats and bunder boats may be sent out, as there 
are no means of landing troops at Bushire except in a few Arab boats. 

No. 1873, dated 31st March 1857, from Military Department, to the Quarter Master General. 

With regard to boats required for the force, states that all efforts to 
obtain them at Bombay have failed, and enquiry is being pursued in the ports to 
the northward, but there also success is doubtful. 

Adds that it has been suggested to General Outran! that if boats cannot 
be had in the Gulf itself, rafts might be constructed, and used in fine weather 


No. 2524, dated 11th September 1856, from the Military Department, to the Quarter 

Master General. 

States, that the Land Transport Corps will only he formed in the event of 
an advance into the interior of Persia being contemplated. 


No. 1872, dated 11th September 1856, from the Commissary General, to the Military 

Department. 

Forwards for approval a tender received from the Bullock Contractor, Punah, 
Commissariat Department, offering to supply 300 draught bullocks from his 
establishment for service in Persia at Rs. 12 each per mensem, including the pay 
of a driver to every pair of bullocks. 


Report by Major Curtis, 1st Lancers, on the organization of the Land Transport 

Corps. 

The duty of the. Director or Chief of this Corps, under the orders of 
the Commander of the Forces, will consist in providing for its working and 
maintenance. 



For the former purpose ho must receive the assistance of an establishment 
adequately officered and materially organised. * 

For the latter he will have to place himself in communication with every 
description of agent and public officer who has it in his power to supply the 
losses, at times enormous, of the baggage animals of an army. The Director 
would thus become the medium through whom the army is supplied with 
carriage, and it would depend on his foresight to maintain a constant stream. 

At Head Quarters of the Corps the Director should have the assistance of 
an officer, who would be permanent there and to whom the office routine would 
be entrusted. This officer should receive the pay and allowances of a Quarter- 
Master, and Interpreter if he speaks Persian, but if not a slight deduction 
should be made, say Rs. 80 or 40, and he should have forage for two horses. 

He would be the Director's Stafi Officer. 

The Quarter-Master should he permitted to take with him English writers, 
sufficient to guarantee him against a disaster at the commencement of his 
duties. * 

A Veterinary Surgeon with an adequate establishment is indispensable to 
the Corps, and he should be placed strictly under the orders of the Director. 

The detached service should be thus organised ; 

To each Division — a commissioned officer, of which grade there should be a 
higher and a lower class, but both should receive forage for 2 horses. 

Under this Officer there should be — 

Per Brigade — a Conductor or Sub-Conductor. 

Per Regiment — a Sergeant (or for a European Regiment perhaps two 
Sergeants) assisted by several native subordinates who might be designated 
drove leaders, pack leaders, or muecadums. 

Per Troop of Horse Artillery or Battery — a Sergeant, &e., &c. 

A commissioned officer would likewise be required for the Artillery 
Park ; another fertile Commissariat; another, very probably, for the enormous 
quantity of stores which always remain in the rear ; and if there is an 
Engineer Park of any magnitude, one for that, 

A Conductor would be required for the Head Quarters camp of the Command- 
er of the Forces and one for the Cavalry, if amounting to a Brigade, both with 
Sergeants and muecadums assisting. Saddlers, smiths, &c., should be taken 
from the muleteers and paid a tritie more for the extra duty. 

The muleteers should alter the padding of the pack saddle when necessary, 
and should be provided with implements for camping and foraging. 

The following chain of responsibility would thus be established : 

L The muleteers, of whom there would be several, under a 

2. Muceadam or leader of a drive, pack or eullah, a sort of non-com- 
missiond officer of a squad. 

8. Sergeant, who would command a troop composed of several eull&hs. 

4, Conductor or Sub-Conductor— Commanding a brigade of several 



... . . . 

m ■ 

Tlie detachnxents of the corps would always be kept efficient, but never 
beyond their complement, so that men as well as animals not absolutely required 
would be remanded to the reserve ready to supply vacancies. To the 
strength to be maintained, an orderly sergeant and muceadum to the officer 
of a division may he added, and an orderly muceadum to the conductor of 
a brigade, perhaps also an orderly of lower grade to each sergeant; while the 
Director and his Quarter-Master would likewise require several subordinates of 
that sort. 

;> There should be classes in each grade, the higher getting superior pay, so 

as to render it a matter of importance to the lower class to succeed. 

The animals should be conspicuously branded, and all branded animals* 
found should be appropriated,. the brand on any that die to be cut out and 
sent to the Director. 

This brand should not be formed of letters written consecutively T. C. 
which may be ingeniously altered, but of letters placed across each other, which 
if made large enough will baffle most contrivances. 

If the corps has to prepare bills for supply of carriage to regiments on 
indent for the use of officers or messes on payment, the Paymaster of the Force 
should be required to reeovtr them. Such indents should be signed by the 
Commanding Officer, of the amount when deducted from the Regimental 
Paymaster. 

Stationery, &c., to be supplied by the Commissariat. The actual cost and 
repair only of line equipments and saddles should be charged, and they might 
in the first instance, be supplied by the Commissariat when practicable. 

Orders should be issued in the regimental manner. 

The corps would require the support of the Commander of the Forces in pre- 
venting animals from being overladen and m declaring that no person has claims 
on its services excepting when a march is ordered, or under circumstances 
specially indicated. 

A corps thus formed is capable of undergoing an easy extension or diminu- 
tion, but it would be unwise to reduce its Quarter-Master until its numbers 
had very much diminished. 

||l The Veterinary service of a small corps must be conducted by a steady 

fa t, Farrier-Maior. 


Extract paragraphs 2 to 8 of a letter from the Quarter Master General of the 1 
Army, dated 2nd January 1857. 


Land Transport Corps, 

2. Major Curtis to be appointed Director of Land Transport with a staff 
salary of Rupees five hundred (500) per mensem, he and all the commissioned 
military officers attached receiving in addition to their staff salaries the pay 
and full allowances of their regimental rank and allowance for two chargers. 
Major Curtis to be placed as to rank, position and advantages of every kind on 
the footing of a Deputy Adjutant or Deputy Quarter Master General. 

3. The European Commissioned Establishment to consist of~ 


3 Assistants 1st class on salary of 


per mensem* 


1 Veterinary Surgeon 



203 

One of the 1st Assistants, selected from the above number, to be Staff Officer 
in charge of the accounts and to receive an addition to his salary of Rupees 
one hundred per mensem, and one of the second or third class assistants, if 
qualified as interpreter in Arabic and Persian, to receive an extra allowance of 
Rupees one hundred and seventy-five per mensem, or* Rupees one hundred for 
each language. , , - 

4. The Warrant and Non-Commissioned Staff to consist of— • 


r 1 Conductor, 1st class @ ... ... 200 per mensem. 

2 Conductors, 2nd „ ... ... 15Q »> 

■n ] 5 Sub-Conductors ... ... 100 » 

European i 12 Sergeants, 1st class ... ... 60 

16 ,, 2nd ,, «•« 45 : ?, 

1 Farrier-Major ... * . 60 „ 

r 30 Huvildars, 1st class ... ... 35 „ 

Natives ...< 50 „ 2nd )r ... ... 28 „ 

v 1 Farrier-Major ... ... 40 „ 

/ ' #■ • 

All of the warrant and non-commissoned staff, European and Native, to be 
on the same footing as to tentage, rations and quarters, as corresponding 
grades in the regular corps and departments, and all to be mounted, 

armed, and equipped by the Director from the Government stores and estab- 
' lishments. ■ ■ ' ' v.:.vy. 

It would, the Commander-in-Chief considers, be a great advantage if 
these men were armed with Colt’s revolver, and he directs me to recommend 
•that a supply be ordered out from England. 

5. The whole of the above staff to be procured from the ranks of the 
army if possible, but the Director to have power to entertain other persons 
not in the service, on the same salaries, to perform the same duties. 

Jo., The following Subordinate Establishment is recommended : 

1 Head Clerk, at Rs. 250 per mensem ; 3 2nd Clerks at Headquarters, at Ess. 100 
each per mensem ; 2 Divisional Head Clerks, at Kb. 120 each per mensem ; 2 Divisional 2nd 
Clerks, at Es. 80 each per mensem ; 2 Dep6t Clerks, at Rs. 120 each per mensem ; 1 Depot 
•Clerk, at Rs. 80 per mensen ; 1 Head Munslil, at Rs. 150 per mensem ; 8 Munshis, at its. 
75 each per mensem ; 3 Muccadums of Peons, at Rs. 13 each per mensem ; 10 Pnckalies with 
Bullocks, at Es. 23 ench per mensem ; 8 1st Nalbunds, at Es. 30 each per mensem ; 16 2nd 
Hal bunds, at Es. 20 each per mensem. 

To be supplied if possible from the Ordnance and other departments in Bombay, 

1 Head Smith, 8 Smiths, 1 Head carpenter, 6 Carpenters, 1 Head Mpchi, 10 Moch is, 1 
Head Rope maker, 6 Rope makers, Bellows boys, and Hammermen. 

To he supplied in Persia. 

Persian Writers, Peons, Syces and Muleteers, Grass-cutters, Bhisties, Dhohies, 'Sweepers, 
and Cattle Doctors. 

7. The above establishment to be altered and enlarged as to numbers 
tinder the orders of the Lieutenant-General Commanding according to local 
-circumstances. 

8. The foregoing recommendations comprise the first requisites for the 
•establishment of the corps to which the Commander-in-Chief requests sanc- 
tion, on receipt of which every endeavour will be made to find qualified and 
efficient persons to fill the various positions. The whole detailed arrange- 
ments as to what is to be carried by the corps, and the terms and arrange- 
ments for procuring and supplying carriage should, His Excellency conceives^ 



• » T 


on mature consideration, be left to the Director to arrange hereafter under 
the orders and sanction of the Lieutenant General Commanding the Force. 

Proposed terms of agreement to be made with men engaged for the Land 
Transport corps : 

la. They are to serve the British Government as long as their services 

are required. 

2,ul . — They are to receive their pay wherever they may be, or a portion of 
it not exceeding one-half is to be paid to their families in Kutch, according to 
the individual wishes of the eamelmen. 

Sri .— If proceeding to a part of the country where provisions are not pro- 
curable or are very dear they are to receive rations from the commissariat pay- 
ing for the same at the rate of Rs. 3 per mensem for such time as they may 
be supplied. 

4 th —When the services of the coachmen are no longer required they are 
to have the option of being sent back to Kutch, and to receive pay up to dale 
of reaching Kutch. If aDy Jemadar, muccadum, or camelman should be kill- 
ed by the hands of the enemy, or so severely wounded as to deprise him of the 
use of a limb, the necessity of awarding a gratuity to bis family in the former 
instance, or to him in the latter, shall be enquired into by His Highness the 
Rao and Political Agent, and reported for the orders of Government with a 
view to a suitable gratuity being granted not exceeding the hereinafter men- 
tioned sums : 


for a Jemadar killed .. A ... — Z(j{} 

Muccadum „ ... ... ••• ... 140 

„ Camelman „ ... ••• ••• ^ & 

fox a Jemadar wounded so as to deprive him of the use of a limb ... 100 

'MuQcadum ... ••• ••• ••• ^ 

Camelman ... *»• ••• 

event of a Jemadar, Muccadum, or camelman dying or being killed 
nth's my will be granted from date of decease for funeral expenses. 


No. 1 dated Bombay, 9th January 1857, from the Director, Land Transport Corps, to the 
’ „■ Quarter Master General. 

As there will probably be great difficulty in procuring eamelmen in Persia 
requests that 100 men with proportion of muccadums, &c., may be sent wit! 

the force. 

Salary about 

' , Es. A. P, 

Camelmen ... ••• 8 0 0 

2nd Muccadums ... 10 0 0 

Muccadums ... *•* 14 0 0 

with ration money. 

Points out that these men would be trustworthy while in a foreigi 
country, and further that they would disseminate among the Arab camelmen 
&c.. a true view of the prospects the British employ holds out. 



Camel men could not be procured at Rs. 8 per mensem or tatfcd Wallah at 
under Rs. 10-8. 

Nalbunds Rs. 25 to 35. 


Extract paras. 1, 2 and 3 of a letter from the Assistant Commissary-General, Persian Field 
Force, to the Commissary General, Bombay, —No. 110, dated 12th January 1867. 

Intimates that the 60 Gaisford pattern carts despatched to Bushire are 
unsuitable, as they are too heavy for the bullocks in that sandy place, it having 
been found necessary to employ six bullocks to each cart instead o£ four as 
customary. Therefore requests to be furnished with a similar number of 
carts the same as those used by the Commissariat at Belgaum. Cost about 
Rs. 25 to 30 each. 

Requests that 300 bullocks of the same kind as already sent may be 
despatched as soon as possible, carriage being extremely difficult to obtain. 


Letter dated Bassorah, 18th January 1857, from Vice Consul J, Taylor, Commissariat 
Agent, to Captain Kemball, Baghdad. 

Requests him to procure as many mules with pack saddles, &c., &c., as 
are available in Baghdad and its vicinity; and to retain them in deposit until 
further notice. Such engagements to be contracted with drivers as would 
obviate any difficulty on their part regarding species or duration of service 
in the enemy's country or elsewhere. 

States that about 8,000 mules are required. 

Requests him to engage as many camel drivers as possible, and also to 
purchase ghee to the extent of ten taghars. 

Adds that he will be prepared to take as much forage (chopped straw and 
rice straw) as Captain Kemball can forward either from Hillah Baghdad or 
the Bani Lam districts. 


No. 26 of 1857, from Director, Land Transport Corps, to Colonel Lugard, Chief of the 
' ; . Staff. 

Proposes that a requisition be made on the Bombay Government for 2,500 
camel equipments, for the camels likely to be purchased at Bassorah. 

Further proposes that 1,000 camelmen, with proportion of muecadums, 
be engaged in India for service in Persia. 

States that he is forwarding specimen mule shoes, Persian pattern, and 
requests that about 2,000 per mensem may be forwarded, also a mule chain, 
of which 1,500 are immediately required. 


No. 27, dated 18th February 1857, from Major Curtis, to the Commissary General, Bombay. 


Advises despatch of specimen mule shoes and mule chain. “The latter 
are made similar to our dog chains and with several swivels, the tethering 
part being much stronger than that going over the face and nose." 



hhh 


Military Department, Government of India, No. 654, dated 2lst March 1857, to Military 

Department, Bombay. 

States that, in the opinion o£ the Right Honourable the Governor- General 
of India in Council, the scale of establishment and allowances proposed for 
the Land Transport Corps is large, hut as the Bombay Government have 
provisionally sanctioned it, His Lordship is not disposed to interfere with 
the organization of the corps, and accordingly confirms the scale suggested. 


“No 196* dated 11th May 1857, from the Director, Land Transport Corps, to the Chief of the 

Staff. 

States that, commencing with the 9th February last, hatches of mules have 
been organised into Ghols or troops for the corps at Baghdad by the officers of 
the Political Agency at that place. The Ghol consist in 121 mules, having — 

1 GholbasM at Frans 60 per mensem. 

20 Drivers at 80 Frans per mensem, 
and there is 

1 Farrier to every 2 Ghols at 50 Frans per mensem. 

By the muster rolls received from Baghdad the establishments of these 
Ghols from 9th February to 4th March were 6 Gholbashis, 3 farriers, 120 
drivers. 

By opportunities the Ghols were sent down the country? and were eventu- 
ally shipped at Margil and ai rived at Bushire in the last days of April. 

When the muleteers arrived at Bushire there was a feeling of disaffection 
amongst them and they were much inclined to strike for the higher, say 
the exorbitant pay, they received in the Crimea, where many of them had 
served. 

At that time Captain Kemball, the Resident in Turkish Arabia had an ap- 
plication from some people for service ; and the writer, fearing that his own 
muleteers might not act up to their agreement, and having likewise great 
misgivings of the organisation of the Kurd Ghols, which gives as many as 6 
mules to one man's charge, — misgivings which have been since quite verified; 
and also finding that the general duty men received from India were from 
want of habit nearly useless as volunteers, he decided on engaging the under- 
mentioned men at Captain Kemball’s suggestion dating from 28th April. 

2 Bulukbashfa at Ivrans 25 > mensem . 

24 Drivers at Frans 20 j r 


Despatch from Sir J. Outram, to the Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Depart- 
ment, dated Baghdad, 1st June 1857. 

States that as the demeanour of the Persian Government appears to afford 
an assurance that the Shah will fulfil the obligations imposed upon him by 
the Treaty, he has directed the reduction of the transport animals in Turkish 
Arabia to be carried out. The camels to be sold at once, but the mules retained 
for the present in ease of hostilities being resumed. 


No. 264, dated Stk June 1857, to the Military Department. 

Submits for sanction an extract from Field Force Orders by Lieutenant- 
General Sir J.Outram, k.c.b., distributing the Land Transport Corps as follows, 



In Turkish Arabia the officers as per margin are to stay until further 
orders. They appear from a report just received 
Major Curtis, Director. f rom Major Curtis, to have the distinct charge of 

Ca tot n Direetc>r. * ^ three thousand nine hundred and twenty-one camels 

Lieutenant Pengelly, (8,921) and 850 to 1,000 mules stationed at the place 

Assistant Director. shown in the sketch as per margin. States that as 

Ca s £iDTr^r 2ndAS ' these animals have not been brought within the 
Lieutenant Young, 3rd ordinary organization of the corps it is supposed that 
Assistant Director. they are on hire through the medium of Political 
3 Clerks. Agents and merely superintended by the Officers 

above-named $ for Major Curtis says regarding them : 

-g’g 2 1st Assistant “ The disposal of all the above animals becomes 
9 Ser^nnT 8 * l’^tber a political than a military question, and I shall 
* ® | 12 Havildars! not further allude to them beyond pointing out that the 

° o | 2 Munslds. ' services of the officers I have named cannot be dis- 

"S-g « 1 Hoad Clerk. p en sed with, till an arrangement has been made which 

I 4 N 'nmrids. will clear our hands of them.” 

p | a 1 Mumiilma ^ 

of Drivers. The establishments as per margin have returned to 
§< I S 10 2 MuccSums Bombay. Lieutenant Boodle has been placed in charge 
I >/S *of Peons. of the Depot, Lieutenant Armstrong has been ordered to 
^3^ 4 Smiths. , join his regiment, and the other officers have already 

£§,5 4 Hammermen. appealT d in Government Genexal Orders to return to 

3 Bellows Boys. * L * i 

5 Moeln’s. their Presidency. 


No. 3356, dated 18th June 1857, from the Military Department, to the Quarter Master 

General. 

Acknowledges receipt of letter suggesting that a detachment, Land Trans- 
port Corps (strength as per margin) now at JBushire, 
776 Mules 8 * be sent to Bombay for service in India, and points 

431 Tattus. out that this would not appear advisable, as the ani- 

12 Donkeys. mals would probably not be worth the transport, the 

28^ Bulbcks pay ^ ie ^ sta ^^ s ^ llinen t would be enormous in India, 

6o Carts. " * and finally they have not gained much experience in 

1 1st Assistant Director. Persia. 

1 Conductor. j g therefore of opinion that the establishment 

2 Sub- Conductors. should either be discharged or retained on much 

3 1st class Sergeants, smaller pay. 

6 2nd class Sergeants. 

1 1st class Havildar, 10 2nd class Havildars, 3 Nalbunds, 1 Nalbund, 32 Muecadums of 
Drivers, 85 Drivers, 2 Puckal Hbistis, 1 Head Smith, 2 Smiths, 2 Hammermen, 2 Bellows Boys, 
1 Head Moeln, 4 Modus, 1 Head Hope Maker, and 4 Hope Makers. 


No. 418, dated 19th June 1857, from Quarter Master General, to Military Department. 

In reply to 5356 states that if tonnage is available at Bus hire, the tat- 
tus and mules would repay the cost of transit as there is a great scarcity of 
baggage cattle. Remarks that His Excellency would not recommend the 
present high rates of pay being continued, and that all these points should be 
most clearly and fully explained to Major Curtis before a man is put on board* 





No. 3444, dated 22nd Jane 1857, from tlie Military Department, to the Quarter Master 

General. 

States that the Governor- General in Council has resolved that all the 
animals useful for baggage shall be returned to India in such of the transports 
as may have room for them, and requests him to give instructions to that effect. 


No. 301, datad 19th June 1857, from Director, Land Transport Corps, to Chief of the Staff. 

Regarding the disposal of the camels, states that he has directed all the 
camels at Suk-ar-Shaikh with equipment, &e., to be sold off. The camels 
number 1,400, and consist of — 

Bagdad camels sent by Dr. Hyslop. Suggirr camels, Teshan camels, Saadeh camels, Ait 
TCeyab camels, Miscellaneous purchased by Mr. Taylor. 

That Captain Barnes will clear the depdt of stores, &c., at Evagil and proceed 
to Pobeir, there to sell off 400 camels. 

There will then remain 1,560 camels at Kuwait purchased by Yusuf ben 
Bedr, an Arab agent of Mr. Taylor's, for Rs. 90,419, and he proposes to let 
Yusuf ben Bedr dispose of them again. 


No. 1, dated 25th February 1857, from Colonel Trevelyan, on special duty, Camp Bajkote, to 
the Quarter Master General, Bombay. 

Reports progress made in purchasing ponies for the Land Transport Corps. 

1. Thirty-four ponies were purchased at Kutch and handed over to Captain 
Raikes, Political Agent, for despatch in a country boat to Persia. This batch 
started on 18th or 19th instant in charge of one muccadum at Rs. 12 and 
fifteen men at 10 per mensem. 

Eleven other ponies were also purchased and left with Captain Raikes to 
be despatched when sufficient number for another boat load could be collected. 

All future purchases will be forwarded to Captain Raikes at Blmj for 
transmission to Mandavie. 

Within the last three weeks at least 300 tat his have been looked over, 
but only about J of these have been purchased, it cannot therefore be stated 
how many are likely to be got by the end of March. 


No. 3795, dated 9tli July 1857, from Military Department, to the Quarter Master General. 

Conveys approval to the proceedings of a Committee held at Bushire to 
condemn and order the sale of the tattus forwarded from India for the Land 
Transport Corps, they having been found unfit for service and not worth their 
keep. 


No. 844, dated 4th August 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military Department, 

States that the Commander-in-Cbief entertains the hope that Government 
will obtain the necessery sanction for the Land Transport Corps forming* a part 
of the permanent establishment of the Bombay Presidency, as he considers 



such a corps an absolute necessity in order to render the army divisions 
mobile. 

His Excellency further requests that none of the corps may be landed at 
Karachi on its return, as it is required for the Deccan Column about to 
advance into Central India and the resources of Sind are greater than . those 
of the Deccan, 


No. 4941, dated 17th October 1857, from the Commissary General, to the Military 

Department. 

Having been requested to submit suggestions on the subject of maintaining 
depSts of carriage in place of one general transport Corps for the supply of car- 
riage to the army, strongly recommends the former aystem, and advocates the 
employment of a European Establishment at each divisional depSt. Also con- 
siders "that it will prove more economical to hire cattle by contract than to 
keep up Government cattle permanently. The establishment recommend- 
ed is — « 

One warrant officer and two sergeants for every thousand draft bullocks, 
mules, and camels, and havildars or naiks might be appointed in place of 
some of the European non-commissioned staff. 

As regards the mules received from Persia, recommends that the whole 
of them be assembled at Puiiah, inspected, and those fit for Artillery draft 
made over to the Commanding Officer of the Artillery, while the remainder 
should be divided into two classes, those fit for light draft and those only 
adapted for pack carriage. The former might then be broken into draft, and 
every effort made to establish a mule train with light wagons ; and as camels 
do not thrive within the Southern Division, proposes that some of the pack 
mules be sent to Belgaum in view that the supply of camel carriage there 
may be restricted as much as possible. 



APPENDIX H. 

Abstract op Correspondence relating to the Transport op Horses 

AND HOES E-TRANS PORT FITTINGS, 


No. 1925 of 16th September 1856, from the Commissary General, to the President, 

Transport- Committee. 

States that horses on board ship are entitled to 5 lbs. of gram 14 lbs of 
h an(i 6 gallons of water each per diem g . ’ 14 b ‘ ot 

According to this scale about 262 bales of hay will be required for 100 
Suit ^ aV6rage gross weight 2.34 lbs., and dir 


No. 1866, dated 1st October 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Transport Com- 

mittee. 1 

Directs them to apply to the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Navy, for the 
hay nets he stated lie would order to be prepared ' 1 ' 

States that as there is a difference of opinion regarding the utility of 
mangers, and as they have been provided, they can remain 7 

Requests them to pay particular attention to the ventilation of the vessels 
and to see that the coir mats supplied for the horses to stand on are close 


No. 223, dated 4th October 1856, from the Officer Commandi: 

Quarter Master General. 

Reports that tlie quantity of grass or kirbee given 
follows ; 

Grass or kirbee without limit. 

Grain (3) three Alimednuggur seers, weighing eighi 
*L lafc ■ ls °£ opinion that this quantity of grain 
would suffice when on service in the field 


ing Punah Horse, to the 



lias directed that one to every two horses should he furnished, also one bucket 
to two horses ; and encloses a list o£ articles shipped for every 100 horses on 
board the transports which conveyed the 10th Hussars and i 2th Lancers to 
Suez, and which scale he has been directed by the Commissary General to 
adopt in shipping equipment for the horses proceeding to the Persian 
Gulf. 

Memorandum showing the equipments shipped for every 100 horses of 
Her Majesty^s 10th Hussars and 12th Lancers, proceeded to Suez : 

Slings, horse ; 4 Collars, horse, canvas ; 100 Mangers, wooden ; 100 Mats, coir ; 100 
Slinks, horse, canvas; 50 Nets, hay ; 100 Num-das ; 100 Backets, horse, wooden ; 50 Lanterns, 
tin, with lock and bey ; 10. 


No. 2167, dated 21st October 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to Officers Command- 
ing Mounted Corps. 

Requests them to submit a report after arrival at Bushire, bringing to 
notice any defects observed by them on the transports, and improvements they 
inay wish to suggest for future guidance. 

States that the space allowed to each horse is 33 inches from the centre 
of one stall to that of another, the space actually taken up on the transports 
is three inches less than this ; and it is stated that this is an improvement, the 
horses suffering less from the rolling of the ship. Calls for report on this 
point. ; also as to whether wooden mangers are approved of, and whether the 
use of sheep skins and num'das to cover the bales is advisable, having regard to 
the fact that the horses are stated to have suffered injury through eating 


Report by Captain Moore, 3rd Bombay Cavalry, 2nd January 1857. 

Stalls . — The stalls were sufficiently broad. 

Bales. — Numdas were found useful for covering the bales. Sheep and 
goat skins are of no use. 

Grain arid water . — Until the allowance was reduced Jon board the Boyne, 
the horses were in good order. On the water being reduced from 6 gallons 
to 3| and the grain from 5 lbs. to 3 lbs.,' the horses immediately fell off in 
condition. 

Considers that a horse’s rations at sea should be 5 pounds of grain and 
6 gallons of water, and that this should never be reduced, unless under great 
Necessity , below 5 gallons of water and 4 pounds of grain. 

12 lbs. of grass is ample for a horse. 


Report by Veterinary Surgeon Lamb, 3rd Light Cavalry, 2nd January 1857. 

Voyage . — Arrangements were excellent, and the horses, after a voyage of 
SO days, landed in good condition. 

Stalls. — Reduction of width to 33 inches is an improvement. 

Mangers . — Nose bags were found more useful than mangers. 

Water . — The horses cannot be kept in health if the allowance of water 
is much reduced. 

On board the Fairlie they were for two days limited to 3| gallons, 
when many became frantic, and the noise made by their pawing, screaming 
and fighting was deafening. But next day when they had full allowance 
this ceased. 




From Captain Oldfield 3rd Light Cavalry, 2nd January 1857. 

Stalls * — Does not consider reduction of the space allotted to each horSO 
judicious, as it leaves no room for grooming, and does not, as supposed, protect 
the horse in rough weather from the rolling of the vessel. 

Mangers . — Wooden mangers are useless. 

Bales . — Is in favor of covering the bales with sheep skin. 

Hay nets . — The net work should be of a smaller mesh to prevent waste. 

^ Ventilation . 5. — Suggests that large scupper holes be made fore and aft 
to increase the ventilation. 


No. 3, dated 4th January 1857, from Major Bkke, Commanding 3rd Troop Horse Artillery, 

to the Quarter Master General. 

"Reports that the horses of the right and centre divisions of his troop have 
landed in a very efficient state; those’ however of the left division suffered 
from bad ventilation (on board the Madge Wildfire) and also from skin dis- 
ease caused by their being washed with salt water and not effectually dried 
afterwards. . 


No. 5, dated 8th January .1857, from the Officer Commanding Piinah Horse and Cavalry 

Brigade. . . . ■ ' ■ 

Water . — Less than 4 gallons of water is insufficient. 

Gram . — Four pounds of gram is sufficient for most horses, some require five. 
Hay . — Ten pounds is the minimum which ought to be issued, 12 pounds is : 
not too much. 

Head stalls . — Head stalls can be dispensed with as line ones do very well. 

jlepoit by Brigadier (Lieutenant-Colonel) Thos. Tapp, Commanding Pdn&h Horse and Cavalry 

Brigade. 

Stalls. — The space now allotted, of 30 inches, is quite sufficient. 

Mangers . — f l lie wooden mangers are very objectionable. 

Mats. — -Mats were most useful. 

Disinfectants . — The vinegar and disinfecting fluid were of great service. 

Report by Captain Graves, 3rd Light Cavalry, 9th January 1857. 

S'alls,— 33 inches of space should be allowed instead of 30. 

Bales . — Considers numda and sheep skins quite unnecessary except in a? 
few cases. 

Mangers . — Wooden mangers were found useless and injurious. 

Hay net. — Considers that the hay net should be a bag with a slit in the' 
side (the reverse from the horse) to put the hay into, with meshes large- 
enough for the horse to pull the hay through. 

Water and grain, — Water 5 gallons, grain 5 pounds and hay 13 pounds- 
is the least quantity that a horse can keep his condition on. 


No. 1, dated 11th January 1857, from Officer Commanding 3rd Light Cavalry. 
Stalls . — The space allotted is quite sufficient. 

Bodes . — The bales answered quite well without any covering on them. 
Mangers , — Much grain was wasted by feeding the horses from mangers, 
Water . — Water should never be reduced under 5 gallons. 



frliJ 

$fo.. Itohire, 24Hi January 1857, from Officer Commanding Artillery 

~ Brigade, Persian Field Force, to the Quarter Master General, Bombay. 

la reply to communications on the subject of horse transport states : 

Stalls.-— Stalls of SO inches in width were ample for the largest horses. 

Mangers . — Wooden mangers were generally condemned. 

Covering for bales . — For covering the bales numda is considered pre- 
ferable to sheep skins. i 

Mats . — Mats are most useful in bad weather. 

Water . — The quantity of water issued daily to each horse may vary from 
4 to 6 gallons. 

Gram . — Gram may be restricted to 4* lbs. a day. 

Hag . — Hay may be fixed at 10 pounds daily. 

Hag bag s — W ith the present description of hay bag there is much 
Waste. Gunny should therefore be substituted for netting. 


Ho. 2383, dated 1st April 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Officer 
Commanding, Southern Mahratta Horse, TJiwa. 

Communicates the following remarks in connection with the embarkation 
of horses and their care on board ship. 

The horse stalls originally 30 inches broad have been altered to 26 inches 
clear space. 

Each stall is to be supplied with a numda and small tacks so that in- 
rough weather the racks may be padded. There is also a coir mat for the 
horse to stand on with a strong loop attached to enable its being towed over- 
board occasionally. The mat is fastened to the stanchions by a coir line. 

As a relief to the horse's feet, and to equalise the wear of the mat, it should 
be reversed frequently. 

Hay nets of strong tarred coir rope are secured to cleats in the deck above 
and to the side stanchions below. The following articles are to be supplied 
for use during the voyage : 

1 Basket to 2 horses. 

1 Bucket „ 

2 Brooms to each horse. 

20 Horse hammocks for 100 horses. 

There will also be a proportion of spare articles on hoard. 

Ship halters made of canvas having been found better than the line halters 
they will be put on board. 

A gunny painted tobra, bound with leather, will be Supplied f or each horse, 
in place of mangers which are cumbersome. 

Three horse slings are to be on board each ship, these ought to be tested 1 
thoroughly. 

The horse's head must be tied down sufficiently tight to prevent his hit- 
ting his poll against the beam above when in his stall, a proportion of padded’ 
head stalls is in each ship for horses placed under beams. 

The spot where the horse alights on board when transhipped will be 
matted, and a matted path must be made for him to his stall. 

Vinegar, chloride of lime, pounded alabaster, and gypsum will be placed in 
charge of the master, for sprinkling the decks to remove the smell of urine &c. 
The hind legs must be hobbled when the horses are being cleaned, which should 
be done as regularly as on shore. The jhools when required are never to be 
hung between decks but should be aired daily and taken down in the evening 
for use. In hot weather, when not required, they should be stowed away. & 




iu . ■ ■ ■ ' 

On disembarkation the horse equipment will be handed over to the master 
of the ship and all missing articles replaced. 


No. 1139, dated 8th April 1857, from the Secretary, Medical Board, to the Quarter Master 

General. 

States that, with respect to disinfectants in horse ships, the following 
rules should be' observed. 

1st— Vinegar being only of doubtful advantage or power, should not be' 
trusted to, but there can be no harm in sprinkling it about the decks 
occasionally. 

2nd — Chloride of lime should be freely used, mixed with water, in the' 
proportion of one part to sixty, and plentifully sprinkled on the decks during 
the day and suspended in buckets during the night, or cloths soaked in it should 1 
be hung up between decks, 

3rd — Pounded alabaster and gypsum are meant to act as absorbents of 
ammonia from the urine and dung of horses. Portions of either should be’ 
placed in thin layers where these excrements' fall, and when soddened should 
be removed. 


No. 63,- dated 1st July 1857, from Lieutenant Brown, Commanding No. 8 Light Field Bat- 
tery, to the Adjutant, Royal Artillery in Sind. 

Reports that the following casualties occurred among the horses of the' 
battery since it sailed from Rushire on the 7th ultimo. 

Three horses died on board the Maria Grey under charge of Lieutenant 
Brown. Fourteen horses died on hoard the Walter Morrice under charge of 
Lieutenant Whish. 

One horse since landing from Maria Grey from effects of sickness during 1 ' 
the voyage. 

Out of one hundred and twenty-one horses that were embarked at Bushire,’ 
only one hundred and three are now alive, and of these many that came iri 
the Walter Morrice will be some time before they pick up their condition. 

The horses had their full allowance of water on both ships, and were 
rationed as the officers in charge thought advisable, there was no scarcity of 
water or grain. Remarks that from his own knowledge and from the report 
of Lieutenant Whish, he can state the mortality was due to want of ventila- 
tion. 

The voyage occupied twenty days, and for many of these there was noli 
a breath of wind, during these dead calms the heat between decks was very 
great, and in his ship, which was better ventilated than the Walter Morrice 
it was found quite impossible to establish a current of air between decks. 

States that a few of the horses died of inflammation of the lungs* but 
the greater part of affection of the brain. A horse would appear well, eat his 
grain and grass, and fall down and die before any relief could be given. Of 
the 18 horses dead, 7 were old, and 11 young, 13 Heratis, 3 Persians, and 
2 Arabs. 


Letter dated Punah, 22nd August 1857, from Lieutenant Sheldeton, Commanding 1 — 2 Artil- 
lery, to Brigade Major, Artillery. 

Reports that he sailed from Buslrire on 8th June 1857, on the transport 
Abdoola and that he heard the Captain remark that unless the ygot out of 
harbour that day, there might be a scarcity of water. As they got out, he' 





.did not take notice of doubts so expressed, as be considered they might easily 
jrun into Bandar Abbas or Maseat. 

Up to this, 16th June, they experienced light breezes and calms, the heat 
was unbearable between decks, and five horses died. Disinfectants were freely 
used and the horses* noses and faces sponged with vinegar. 

States that on the 20th June the steamer Pioneer hove in sight and 
arrangements were made for her to tow the transport, but she left without 
doing so. 

At this time windsails were used, but no benefit whatever was derived from 
them in the calms. 

Remarks that there were but five empty stalls when leaving Bushire. All 
-the horses, with one exception, between the fore hatchway and the bows, died, 
though two spare stalls were left there. 

On 26th June water was reduced to 4 gallons per horse, and on the 

• 28 th to three gallons. 

States that up to 22nd J ime, 15 horses died, and from that date the mortality 
increased, and from the 22nd to 30tli June, when they arrived in Karachi 
Harbour, they had lost 25 horses. Death was probably caused in many 
cases by the heavy sea encountered for the last few days of the voyage. 

Adds that the Abdoola was well fitted up, and had a higher deck than most 
of the other transports, that the horses were given fever balls and bled 
without effect, and that the mortality may be attributed to the unusually 
long voyage in an over-heated atmosphere. If the horses had not been 
.enervated by their previous sufferings from heat, he does not think that the 
short allowance of water would have injured them. 


No. 407, dated 9th October 1857, from the Commandant of Artillery, to the Quarter 

Master General. 


Submits the following report on the manner io which the horses under- 
went the sea transport from Persia. 

The periods of passage varied from 20 days to 2 months, but the effects 
on the horses were not proportional to the duration of the confinement, as 
those which had been the longer period, were for the most part landed in 
good condition. 

All the horses suffered more or less at first from swelled legs, but this 
symptom generally disappeared after a week’s time. 

The horses that suffered most were those on ill ventilated ships, also 
where a deficiency of good water was experienced. The Gulf horses, Arabs and 
Persians appeared to suffer least ; and with regard to age, the older horses 
.appear to have suffered the most from swelled legs and stiffness of the 
limbs, and in one or two cases the effect was permanent and the animals had 
to be destroyed. 

Numda was found preferable to sheepskin to prevent chafing, the latter 
very soon becoming offensive and breeding vermin, &e. 

It is recommended that a few stalls should be boarded up for vicious 
horses, to avoid the commotion caused by kicking. The proportion of food 
and water allowed was found ample, green forage when obtainable in the 
river Shatt-ul-Arab, proved very beneficial. Frequent hand rubbing of legs and 
cleaning of manes and tails strongly recommended, but the use of salt 
water for the latter purpose should be avoided on account of its great* tendency 
to produce mange. 




ater, a deficiency of the latter being at once found to prove 
alth in the warm latitudes. And when practicable no horse 
: age should be embarked. 

et should be supplied to every 3 horses to catch the urine 
allowed to stale on the mats. 


■ V' ■ \ , 






APPENDIX I 


Abstract of Correspondence relating to Followers. 


Extract of a letter from the Commissary General No. 1737, dated 29tli August 1856. 

A Bazar is a simple and economical means of supplying an Army with 
many wants and if judiciously worked and superintended may become an 
important source for obtaining supplies of all kinds. 

I would therefore submit for the consideration of Government the exped- 
iency of appointing at an early date, an officer in every way qualified by his 
knowledge of the Persian language to the situation of Superintendent of 
Bazars to the Force. 


No, 1830, dated 8tli September 1856, from the Commissary General, to the Quartermaster 

General. 

Forwards a memorandum of the probable number of Commissariat follow^ 
erg of every description to embark with the troops. 

Warrant Officers, 5 ; Commissariat Sergeants, 5 ; Office clerks, 10 ; Shroffs, 2 ; Inspectors, 6 ; 
Weighing men, 6 ; Coopers, 4; Measuring men, 4 ; Tin men, 3 ; Carpenters, 2 ; Iron Smiths, 2 ; 
Master Bakers, 2 ; Assistant Bakers, 15 ; Mochis, 2 ; Cattle Maccadums, 5 ; Peons, 20 ; Coolies, 
80 ; Dooly Bearers, 300 ; Bullock Drivers, 150 ; Bullock Contractor’s Establishment, 8 ; Ser- 
vants of Warrant Officers, &c., 46 ; Cattle Maccadums, 5 —Total 682. 

Bazaae and Police Establishments foe the town of Bushiee. 


1 English writer, Rs. 40 ; 1 Persian moonshi, Rs. 50 ; 1 Persian clerk, Rs. 30 ; 1 Arabic 
clerk, Rs 30 ; 2 Havildars @ 12 each, Rs, 24; 2 Naiks @ 9 each, Rs. 18 ; 26 Peons @ 7 
each, Rs. 182 — Total Rs. 374. 

Police. 

1 Daroga, Rs. 50 ; 5 Jemadars @ 20 each, Rs. 100 ; 10 Havildars @ 12 each, Rs. 120, 
10 Naiks @ 9 each, Rs. 90; 130 Sepoys @ 7 each, Rs. 910— Total Rs. 1,270— Grand Total 
Rs. 1,644. 

1 Syrang ; 4 1st Tindals ; 6 2nd Tindals. 

The Commander-in-Chief considers that the lascars sent on service should 
all be of the permanent establishment. 

No. 2091, dated 26th September 1856, from the Commissary General, to the Quarter Master 

General/ 

Bequests him to bring to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief that the 
Governor General has been pleased to order 300 dooly bearers from (lie 
establishment kept up in Sind to be sent with the force to Persia, and 
states that he has ordered the Assistant Commissary General at Ka radii to 
select that number with the regulated proportion of 1st and 2nd mueeadums. 

No. 1831, dated 29th September 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military He. 

partment, 

; Bern arks that the full field complement of grasseutters is two for every 
three troop horses, which would have given a total of 506 in lieu of 220 as 





shown in the return, but the Commander-in-Chief had already desired that 
not more than one for every three troop horses should be taken, leaving it to 
the discretion of Commanding Officers still .further to reduce this numbei% 
a discretion which the artillery have exercised by reducing their numbers to 
little more than one to every four horses. The grass-cutters in the return 
of the 3rd Light Cavalry are 93, or one to three horses, and inay possibly be 
still further reduced. 

In regard to horse-keepers, the rule in the Horse Artillery is to have one 
horse-keeper for the horse of each sergeant, corporal, farrier, and trumpeter, 
and one for every two remaining horses, and this number the Commander- 
in-Chief does not think ought to be reduced. In the foot batteries there is 
a driver or horse -keeper to each horse, and as the soldiers of these batteries 
are foot soldiers, neither trained nor paid to clean or take care of horses, the 
Commander-in-Chief does not recommend any reduction in this amount. 

Iii the Native Cavalry, the rule is one horse-keeper to every two horses, 
whether of native officers, non-commissioned officers or men and this number 
should not, the Commander-in -Chief considers, be reduced. 

In the Punah Horse, the horse-keepers and private servants of the native 
officers are so mixed up, that it is impossible to separate them, but allowing 
one servant to each officer there remains about one horse-keeper to every two 
horses, and as many of these men are approved candidates for employment, 
ready to fill casualties, it would not be desirable to reduce their numbers. 


No. 3556, dated 31st October 1856, from the Post Master General, to the Military Depart- 
ment. 

States that the Government of India has ordered the establishment as 
per margin, to be sent from the Postal Department 
with the ex-officio Postmaster, and requests that 
arrangements may be made to provision them from the 
Commissariat. 

At Aden, Interpreters speaking Arabic, Hindustani, 
Persian, Turkish and Somali were entertained, return 
passage to Aden being promised if they desired it on 

discharge. 


Head clerk 

Rs. 
... 80 

2nd „ 

... 40 

Mimshi 

... 20 

4 peons at Rs. 8 

... 32 

Contingencies 

... 25 

Total 

... 197 


No. 1677, dated 18th October 1856, from the Deputy Adjutant General of the Army to Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Younghusband, Assistant Adjutant General, Sind Division. 

States that in the event of the Persian Frontier Force proceeding to its 
destination, the undermentioned Establishment has been sanctioned by Gov T 
ernment for his office : 

Rs. 

1 Head clerk ... ... ... 120 

1 Second ... ... ... 80 

Stationery , M ... itt ... 50 

Office Tentage ... ... ... ... 75 


Total 


As many halaleores for cleaning the town as may he found necessary, to 
be entertained at Rs. 6 each per mensem. The commandant of the Town 
is authorised to hire 5 houses as police stations in the town and a house as a 
police office. : - 



Bushire, 2nd January 1857, • 

No* 7. The following establishment is sanctioned for the Sadder Bazaar 
of camp, from the dates on which the individuals respectively may have been 
entertained: 

Bs. A. R 


No. 29, dated 5th January 1857, from the Assistant Commissary General, P. D. A., to the Act- 
ing Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General, R D. A., Punah. 


States that no dooly bearers can be found willing to accompany the 
force proceeding on service, and therefore requests him to cause orders to be 
issued to the bazar authorities to compel all unemployed dooly bearers and 
hamals within the cantonment to be entertained at once. 


No. 762, dated 29th January 1857, from the Adjutant General, to the Military 

Department. 


Requests that the undermentioned office establishment may be sanctioned 
to the Assistant Adjutant General of the Cavalry Division of the Persian 
Expeditionary Force, from date of its entertainment : 

' . ‘ : 3ESlS'«i ■ ' • 

1 Head clerk ... ... ... ... 120 

1 Second clerk ... ... ... ... BO 

Stationery ... ... ... ... 60 

Office Tentage ... ... .... ,u 75 

Total "*825 


Total ... 214 8 0 


No. 392 of 14th January 1857, from the Adjutant General, to the Military Department. 

With reference to the appointment of Captain Collier to he Assistant 
Adjutant General to the force vice Younghusband appointed Deputy Assistant 
General, conveys the Commander-in-Chiefs recommendation that the under- 
mentioned office establishment may be sanctioned for Captain Collier : 


1 Head clerk 
1 Second clerk 
Stationery 
Office Tentage 


1 Kotwal 
1 Persian writer 
1 English writer 
1 Havildar of Peons 

1 Naik 

6 Peons @ 7 each 

2 Halalcores @ 7 each 
Contingencies 


Per mensem. 

Bs. 

120 

SO 

50 

75 







■IB 


Paragraph 3 of Ho. 54, Bushire, 1st March 1857, from Director, Transport Corps, to Captain 

Taylor, 1st Assistant Director. 

Points out that it will be impossible to obtain the undermentioned followers 
in Persia, and therefore too great a number cannot be sent from India. 

Peons, Syces and muleteers. Grass-cutters, Bhisties, Bhobies, Sweepers* 
Cattle Doctors. 


Ho. 7207 of 12th March 1857, from the Commissary General, to the Military Department. 

States that the following officers are employed with the Commissariat 
.Department in Persia. 

1 Deputy Commissary General ... Lien tenant Colonel Pope. 

/ Captain. Dunsterville, 1st 

2 Assistant Commissaries General T . lsl01 !* n , 0 . 

) Lieutenant Gordon, 2nd 

C Division. 

C Lieutenant Gray, 1st 

2 Deptity Assistant Commissaries General... j Carlin “'Lucas, 2nd 

L Division. 

f Lieutenant Mignon. 

„ Willoughby. 

„ L’Estrange. 

8 Sub- Assistant Commissaries General ...< ” Stifart 

,, Blowers. 

„ Shewed. 

I « Baigre. 

Lieutenant Hutcheon is employed as 1st Class Commissariat Agent with 
the Force, and Mr. J. E. Taylor, Her Majesty's Vice Consul, has been appointed 
Commissariat Agent at “ Busreh " 

States that there are no other experienced Commissariat Officers available 
to be detached to Persia, and recommends that the Lieutenant General Com- 
manding the Force be directed to select some intelligent officers from the Regi- 
ments under his command, and appoint them temporarily to the Field Com- 
missariat, as was done in former campaigns, “ Sind," “ Afghanistan," and 
“ Punjab J* 


Ho. 2214 of 25th March 1857, from the Adjutant General, to Sir James Outran* 

Communicates above to Sir James Outram, the measure having met 
the concurrence of the Right Honourable the Governor in Council. 


Ho. 31, dated Bushire, 14th March 1857, from Lieutenant-Colonel Trevelyan, Commanding 
Artillery Brigade, Persian Expeditionary Force, to the Acting Brigade Major of 
Artillery, Bombay. J 

States that it has been found impossible to obtain men to replace the syces 
withdrawn from their original duties to perform those of drivers to the Field 
Batteries, Requests therefore that a number- of able bodied men (about 40 for 
each battery) may be entertained at Ahmednuggur and sent by an early 
ship. 



No. 2224, dated 25th March 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to tlie Military 

Department. 

Intimates that Captain Curtis, Director, Land Transport Corps, reports 
as fallows : 

“ No class of men is more required than sweepers, whom it will be impossi- 
ble to obtain up here. They will be wanted comparatively in great numbers* 
and they should be accompanied by dexzies and persons who are skilful in 
tanning leather/' 


No. 265 of 27th March 1857, from Political Agent, Natch, to Officer Commanding No S 

Light Field Battery. 

States that he cannot hold out any hope of the required class of men being 
obtained. s 

1 si .—Because the inhabitants of the province have an apparent aversion to 
to Persia. 

2nd. Because those who feel disposed to serve there can obtain service in 
the Land Transport Corps at 10 Rupees a month as camelmen or svces to 
take care of ponies. J 


No. 137, dated Calcutta, 19th May 1857, from the Director General, Post Offices 

to the Home Department. 

States that he cannot recommend the grant of any special allc 
the Staff Officer who performed Postal duties with the Force as 
were conducted in the most unsatisfactory manner, and there bt 
confusion in the accounts and it is feared some defalcations. 


No. 407, dated Boshire, 22nd September 1857, from Brigadier General Jacob o n 

Adjutant General, Bombay. * * 

States that it was precisely because of the disorderly state of the 
Department that an Officer was appointed Post master and therefore 
mends that Lieutenant Crispin may be granted the allowance assign, 
in orders. 

At Karrack a Commandant was appointed also Superintendent of 
and a Postal Staff consisting of — 


mensem, 


1 Postmaster @ 

1 Clerk 
I Peon 

Contingent allowance 




APPENDIX J 


Abstract or Correspondence relating to Engineer Park, Temporary and 
' 4 Permanent Barracks, and Hospitals. - 


Ho. 9, dated Bombay, 2nd September 1856, from Inspector General of Ordnance, 
to Government, Military Department. 

With. regard to the artificers to proceed with, the force, states that the 
Principal Commissary of Ordnance has been requested to ascertain the com- 
plement laid down for the service of four pieces of heavy ordnance, with a 
few supernumeraries to meet casualties. Remarks that the regiments and 
batteries will of course take with them their regular complement of artificers, 
but that as, it is believed to be the wish of His Lordship in Council .that a 
large proportion of the artificers should be of a class usually employed in 
building, he has addressed a communication to the Chief Engineer of Public 
Works requesting him to cause the following artificers to be held in readi- 
ness for service : 

50 House carpenters, 50 Brick-layers, 10 Smiths, 10 Hammermen, 10 Bellows 
boys, — Total 130. 

Adding to these the ordnance artificers for the heavy ordnance, 43 in 
number, there will be a total of 173 of all trades available. 

Adds that the superintendence of these artificers should be in the hands 
of the Commanding Engineer or the Quarter Master General's Department 
as it cannot with advantage be given to the artillery or ordnance officers. 


Ho. 643, dated 3rd September 1856, from Officer Commanding Sappers and Miners, to the 

Quarter Master General. 

Forwards rough list of stores for an Engineer Park sufficient for a force 
of 12,000 men, which lie considers should be got ready in case of the exped- 
ition taking place, as, to properly steel sharpen and arrange the various 
tools and stores, is a work of time and labour. 

States that the officer proceeding in command of the Sappers and Miners 
should take with him. the undermentioned articles : 

1, Drawing and surveying instruments, paper, pencils, &c., &c., and 
professional books for reference. 

* 2. A galvanic battery. 

3. Instruments for blasting in rock. 

4. A few additional carpenter's and smith's tools. 

5 . Powder bags, and empty powder hose, fuzes and other articles that 
may appear necessary to render the corps efficient, such as pick-axe helves, 



List showing the quantity of stores to be prepared to form an Engineer Park for 5,000 tfceijg 
and also tbe quantity requiring to he kept in reserve for an additional 5,000 men. 


lbs. about. 


Natnes, 

For 5,000 
men. 

Remarks. 

Reserve of 
5,000 men. 

■ ' Cutting Took, , 





: 

Axes,, felling, with, helves ^ , 


50 



25 

Helves, axes, felling, spare ... ■ 


10 



8 

Choekers, fascine 


15 



15 

Hatchets, hand 


150 



150 

Hooks, bill 


600 



500 

Do. „ with long handles 


50 

For cutting jungle 

... 

... 

Knives, Gabion *... ^ 


500 



500 

Twine, country, for fascines and gabions— 
lbs. of ' ; ... 

750 



750 

Saws, hand '■ ... ... •. 

- 

50 

In case of having 
hut the Force 

to 

25 

Stones, grinding ... ... 

... 

4 



2 

.. wet . ... . ■ ... 


10 



10 

Saw, sets , ... . ... 


6 



3 

'Do.' files : . ' ... 

. 

25 



18 

Total 


2,805 

lbs. about ... 

... 

2,805 

Entrenching tools. 






Axes, pick, with helves 


750 

Sap, picks if possible 

750 

Helves, faxe, pick, spare 


250 



250 

Hoes with helves ... 


50 



50 

Do. spare helves ... 


5 



■ 

Mallets, large 


12 



10 

Do. small ... ... 


12 



10 

Shovels with helves 


750 

Sap. shovelB 

possible 

if 

750 

Do. spare ,, ... 


250 



250 

Hoes (Powrahs) ... ... 


150 




Tapes, measuring ... 


6 



6 

Tape, tracing, yards 


| 1,500 

. ■ 


1,500 







Total 

... 

11,211 

lbs. ... 

... 

11,211 



For 5,000 
men. 


Reserve of 
5,000 men. r 


Remarks, 


Sapping and Mining Tools. 


Axes, pick, sap, with helves 


miners’ 


Bars, tamping copper 
Borers, jumpers' ... 

Bo. hand 2 feet 
Bars, crow, iron ... 

Buckets, canvas, mining 
Candles, wax, lbs. of — — 
Candle-sticks, miners' ... . 

Hammers, hand, for boring bars 


10 Will he received in 
building and road 
making ... 


Ladders, miners* rope 


Needles, priming ... ... 

Shovels, sap, with helves 
Bo. „ miners’ pointed ... 
Scoaps, miners’ 

Sap forks, long ... ... 

Bo. „ short ... ' ... 

Trucks, miners' wheels and axles 
Wedges, Iron, large... 

Bo. „ small ... ... 

Worm and screw 


10 | Copper 


Total 


Laboratory Stores, 


Bags, petard, leather, 50 lbs. 
Barrels, bridge ; - 






■fill 




Reserve 
5,000 men* 


Remarks, 


"« laboratory Stores — contd. 
Fusgree,' yards . ... , ... 

Funnels, copper for filling Saucisson 
Fuse, Bickford’s, feet ... 

Horns, powder 
Match, quick, lbs. ... 

Match, slow lbs. ... 

Measures, powder, copper, set of 
Needles, sewing, large 
Fort fires . ... ' ... 

Powder, lbs. ... 

Seales, copper, with weights ... 

Saw, tennon ... ... 

Saucisson, made up, yards of 

Scissors 

Thread, lbs. ... ... 

Wire, platinum, fine, lbs. 

Copper, portable, powder magazine 


Total 


Miscellaneous Stores. 


Candles, lbs. 
Bags, Sand 


To be of much stronger 
material than usual. 


Gunny, 2 feet wide, pieces 
Ladders, scaling, joints of 
Lanterns, dark ... 
Lanterns, signal 
Needles, packing ... 
Paulins, wax ... 
Rope, white, 2 fathoms 
Steel, yards ■ . 

Twine, for packing, lbs. 














last showing the quantity of stores to be prepared to form an Engineer Park for 5,000 ir 
and also the quantity requiring to be kept in reserve for an additional 5,000 men —contd. 


Reserve of 
&,GOO men. 


Carpenters? Tools. 


Augurs of sizes m 
Brace and bits w 
Chalk, lbs. 

Chalk, red, lbs. ... 
Chisels, mortice ... 
Chisels trimmer ... 
Compasses, callaper 
Compasses, common 
Files, pit saw 
Files, cross cut ... 
Files, hand 
Gauges, of sizes .. 
Gauges, common ... 
Hatchets, hand 
Hammer, claw ... 
Hammer, rivetting 
Knives, drawing ... 
Nails of sorts, lhs. of 


Buies, 2 feet 
Saws, cross cut ... 

Saws, pit with frame 
Saws, hand ... 

Saws, tennon ... 

Screwdrivers ... 
Screws of sorts, lhs. 
Setters, pit saw with frame 
Setters, cross cut ... 
Setters, hand ... 
Setters Tennon ... 


Stones oil 


Screws jack 
Squares, carpenters 
Vice, hand 





List showing the quantity of stores to he prepared to form an Engineer Park for §>000 mea 
and also the quantity requiring to he kept in reserve for an additional 5,000 men contd . 


Reserve of 
5,000 men. 


For 5,000 
men. 


Remarks. 


Names. 


Smiths* Tools , 5 Forges. 
Anvils .... 

Bellows, with. trame v ... 

.Bellows,' small / ... • ' . ... 

Borax,, lbs.'' 

Chisels of sorts : . ... 

Charcoal, lbs. ... 

.".files, "flat;;''."''' ^ 

Files, triangular \ ... .. 

Files, half round ... 

.■Hammer, hand 
..■Hammer, sledge ... 

Iron, lbs. ■ , ... , ... 

Pincers, large ... 

Pokers 

Pincers, small 
Steels, lbs. 


Total 


Drawing and Surveying Instruments. 
Boards, drawing and square 
Cakes Indian ink 
Compass, prismatic with stand 
Paper, scrampoon sheets 
Paper foolscap, ream 
Protractor, semi-circular 
Pencils, lead, H. H. H. 

Pencils, camel hair 
Rulers, parallel, 18" ... 

Scales, brass, 18" or 2' 

Sextant, pocket ... ... 

Telescope ... 

Chains measuring ... ' ;. ’ ... 

Tapes, measuring, 50' 

Theodolite with stand, Everest 
Instruments, mathematical, cases 
Paper mounted on cloth, yards 
Paper, tracing 

Total 


Second sort 



List showing the quantity of stores to be prepared to form an Engineer Park for 5,000 men 
and also the quantity requiring to be kept in reserve for an additional 5,000 man-conoid. 


For 5,000 
men. 


Reserve of 
5,000 men. 


Names. 


Remarks, 


Remarks, 


Additional Stores. 

Powder, 'spare in 100 lbs. barrels 

V Chest, store *»» 

Chest, tools, artificers' empty 

Locks, pad, brass single, small 

Lashing, country, yards 

Barrels, powder, 4 copper hooks each, 100 
lbs. 

Boxes, ammunition musketry 

Twine, Bengal, country, coarse, lbs. »». 

Coir twine, lbs. 

Nails of sorts, lbs. 

Screws of sorts 

Bope 3%" coir, fathoms 

Bamboos’ large 4" diameter, 30' long ... 

Pieces of bamboo for rungs ... 

Colour boxes, 2 sorts 

Compass, prismatic ... ••• 

Paper, drawing, sheets 

Paper, foolscap, ream 

Pencils, H. B. ... 

Rulers, parallel, IB''. ... ... 

Rulers, parallel, 1'... 

Scales, Marquois, Sets *»• 

Instruments, case, pocket ... ... 

Galvanic battery ... ... 

Telescopes ... 

Chain, measuring ... 

Tapes, measuring ... ... ... 

Sets of tools for blasting 

Powder bags ... ... ... 

Additional carpenters’ and smiths’ tools 
in one chest 

Bickford fuse, feet ... 

Slow match, feet ... ... ... 


5,000 1 To he carried by Ord- 
nance Department. 


6,000 To be carried by Ord- 
nance Department. 


Will be used in hutting 
the Force, 


Will be required for 
hutting the Force. 


600 Will be required for 
hutting the 'Force. 
20 For scaling ladders ... 

250 3' long If" in diameter 


Grand total 


44,063 Or about 19| Tons dead 
weight. 


lbs. or about 14 
Tons dead weight* 







The mats to "be made as large as possible in order to reduce labour in 
sewing them together. Supposing 5,000 men have to be hutted, there will be 
required of the above materials, about as follows ; 

Batters ... ... ... 20,000 

„ Salkie ... ... ... ... 7,000 

for posts and trusses. 

Date matting ... ... ... ... 800,000 square feet. 

„ battens (stem of date leaves) ... ... 60,000 

Bamboos in bundles. 

25 per bundle ... ... ... ... 2,000 bundles. 


Supplementary list of stores required to be packed with tlie Engineer Park for tbe 
Expeditionary Force to Persia. 

As follows : 

Sapping and Mining Tools * 

Axes, pick, miners' short bandied ... ... 20 

„ „ single pointed „ ... ... ... 20 

Blocks, single, for 8J* rope ... ... ... 12 

„ double,, 3f'( „ ... ... ... ... 12 

Buckets, canvas, mining ... ... ... ... 6 

Frames, shaft, (top frames) 4x3 inside 4§x3 ... ... 10 

„ „ 4X3 inside 4| X 3 ... ... 50 

Field levels ... ... ... ... 6 

Ladders, miners’ rope ... ... ... ... 6 

Powrahs, short handled ... ... ... ... 10 

Hammers, short ... ... ... ... 10 

Shovels, miners* ... ... ... ... 20 

Sheeting planks 5X1 X If ... ... ... .... 600 

Wedges, V long ... ... ... 25 

Windlasses, small, each with 40' of 2" rope ... ... 6 

Miscellaneous Stores . 

Bags, sand ... ... ... ... 10,000 

Iron, lbs. ... ... ... ... 300 

Nails, 3| to 4J lbs. ... ... ... ... 3,000 

Hides, buffalo ... ... ... ... 15 

Steel, lbs. ... ... ... ... 200 

Twine, coir, lbs. ... ... ... ... 3,000 

„ fine Bengal, for sewing mats together, lbs. ... ... 200 

Needles for sewing date mats ... ... ... ... 50 



Axes , Felling.— -TJ nserviceable, together Those supplied were of the same descrfp- 
with the helves, which in some instances tion and pattern as have for many years been 
break at the first flow. < recognised as the established muster, and 

This is a very serious matter in a cam- generally approved. The helves had been a 
paigrt. long time in store but when issued were 

sound and free from flaws and the attacks 
of insects. 

Iron . — Yery had. That supplied to the Engineer Park was 

received into the Grand Arsenal from the 
Honourable Court of Directors. 

States that the Commander-in-Chief considers it desirable that measures 
should he taken for securing good and serviceable articles which can easily be 
got and are cheapest in the end, as if this be not done, the evil may be expected 
to recur. 


Keporfc by Inspector General of Ordnance and Magazines, No. 4745 of 29th July 1857. 

With regard to the tools, &e., complained of by Major Hill, remarks 
that the pickaxes and iron must have been considered of fair quality, or they 
would have been rejected at the time by the Engineer Officer appointed to 
receive and superintend the packing of the park stores, and that with regard 
to the iron, no complaint is made by other departments to which it has been 
issued. 

States that pick axe helves are made according to a pattern furnished to 
the military board by Major London in 1855. 

Points out that native workmen render their picks unserviceable by using 
them as substitutes for crowbars, and adds that all tools before bein^ received 
into the Grand Arsenal are examined and passed as serviceable by competent 
judges. 

List of Stores, Ammunition, &c ., accompanying the Corps of Sappers and Miners 

31st October 1856. 

To be carried by companies, packed on 8 camel kajawabs ; to be placed on 
board ship in the kajawabs or to be packed separately, as may be found most 
convenient. 

Axes, felling ; 16 Axes pick sap ; 80 Bars, crow, iron ; 8 Hammers, sledge ; 8 Hatchets, 
hand ; 8 Helves, axe, pick ; 80 Hooks, bill, hand, Europe; 80 Levels, field, wooden • 16 Saws 
hand, carpenters’ ; 8 Shovels, Europe ; 80 Chests, tool, carpenters’ ; 2 Chests, tool, smiths’ • 6 
Chests, laboratory ; 1 Chest, voltaic battery ; 1 Chest, mat. instruments ; 1 Chest, arms. 
1 Blasting tools, sets ; 2 Hides, bullock and buffalo ; 12 Helves, pick, axe; 15 Helves, hooks, 
bill ; 18 Helves, felling axe ; 10 Boxes, ammunition, rifle ; 37. 

No. 748, dated 2nd October 1856, from the Officer Commanding Sappers and Miners, to the 

Quarter Master General. 

Submits the following suggestions in connection with the Engineer Park : 

1. Pickaxes, felling axes, &e., to be properly bandied. If the handle 
fills the eye of the tool completely it will last much longer. The handles 
should not project above H inches, oval handles are better than round ones, 

2. All the picks and cutting tools to be carefully pointed, steeled, and 
sharpened. Mules will most probably be employed to carry the stores, therefore 

, tte y should be made up in packages of 125 lbs. each, and of 100 lbs. each in 
ease of bulky stores. 

4. Each package to be clearly numbered. 

5. The cutting tools stxould be packed with pieces of wood projecting 

heyond the cutting edges to prevent the edges injured, * * ’ ” ° 



6. The tools should all be dammered prior to packing to prevent their 
rusting 

7. Cases used for packing stores must not be too heavy to be carried by 
mules. 

8. The contents of each case to be carefully recorded. 

9. Slings of good strong rope should be prepared, one pair of slings to 
every two packages, to sling them on the mules. 

10. Every individual tool should be looked at, and every helve carefully 
fitted. 

- 11. Sap picks are preferable to any other whether for Europeans or 

Natives, therefore as many as possible of this description should be packed. 

JTo. 1933, dated 7th October 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Inspector 

General of Ordnance. 

By desire of the Commander-in-Chief recommends Major HilPs proposal 
that the sand bags for the Engineer Park may be made of stouter material 
! than the common thin dungaree sometimes employed, particularly as much 

f use will have to be made of sand bags in case of entrenching, in the absence 

of good materials for gabions and fascines. 

* . 

; 1529, dated 10th October 1856, from the Adjutant General, to tbe General Officers 

| Commanding Punah Division. 

| Bequests him to despatch two non-commissioned officers from the Sap- 

pers and Miners to assist in arranging and packing the stores for the Engi- 
| 5 ;. ( ( neer Park. 

Letter from Major Hill, Commanding Engineer, Persian Field Force, dated Bushire, 4th 
March 1857, to the Chief of the Staff. 

1 : , Requests that sanction may he obtained for despatch to Bushire of the fol- 

lowing materials, to enable officers to cover in their tents : 

Solfei Rafters 20' long and upwards for Posts and Hip Rafters, See. ... 3,500 
gjL Common Rafters ... *•* ••• *“ 

M Coir string, lbs. ••• ' *** 

■■ Hails, 6 inch » *** — caa 


Bar Iron (flat and round) „ ... ••• — *00 

Steel ••• ••• 

Charcoal (£or*general use) „ ... ... ... ...5,000 

screw plates with tops (for general use) No. 6. 

No. 790 dated 11th October 1856, from Major Hill, Commanding Sappers and Miners, 
to Principal Commissary of Ordnance, Bombay. 

Requests that four store lascars may be attached to the Engineer Park, 
and that a fence of rope and posts sufficiently large to enclose a space 40 feet 
square may be packed with the Park. 



No. 2293, dated 29ih October 1856, from Quarter Master General, to Inspector General of 

Ordnance. 

States that it appears to His Excellency that a supply of portable forges 
had better be prepared to send hereafter in ease of movement. 

No. 1453, dated 28th '.February 1857, from the Inspector General of Ordnance, to the Quarter 

Master General. 

Intimates that there are no pontoons or pontoon equipage in the Grand 
Arsenal; nor it is believed in any of the minor arsenals, and that there are 
no means of supplying pontoon carts but constructing them in the gun 
carriage manufactory, and this would be a work of considerable time owing to 
the existing press of business in that department. 

No. 1076, dated 16th September 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military- 

Department. 

Recommends that the Chief Engineer in Sind may be instructed to enter- 
tain half the number, or more if possible, of goundies and carpenters sanc- 
tioned for the force, from among the Katch artificers at Karachi who are 
much hardier and more able bodied than any procurable in Bombay, and adds 
that during the cold weather at the siege of Multan, Major Hill found that 
the Bombay artificers were almost useless. 

No. 3559. dated 8th November 1856, from the Quarter Master General, to the Military 

Department. 

Requests sanction of Government to Major Hill’s application for two of 
the principal men now employed in the preparation of the field hospitals un- 
der Major Tremenheere, to be sent up in charge of the materials at salaries of 
jig 50 a month. Adds that it appears to the Commander-in-Chief of the 


No. 73, dated 20th December 1856, from the Commanding Engineer, to the Assistant 
Quarter Master General, Persian Field Force. 

Forwards plan of temporary barrack for the accommodation of a company 
, . * „ of 100 Europeans and 4 sergeants, and states that 

L W H. the design is ot a very temporary nature, but more 

5 d2'xl8’+i9' durable buildings cannot be erected in time to shelter 

Verandah 7' 6" in width. the men during the forthcoming hot season, and in 

support of this statement points out that the hospitals for the force ordered 
to be prepared at Bombay in September last have not yet arrived. 

Requests that if the design be approved it may be sent to the Bombay 
Government with a request that the following building materials may 
at once be shipped for Bushire : 

20.000 ordinary teak rafters 1st and 2nd sorts. 

7.000 straight salki rafters 20' in length and from to 4'' in diameter at the small 
end, for posts, tie beams, &c. 

2.000 bundles of whole bamboos, of 25 bamboos per bundle. 

Suggests that measures be taken to select sites for the barracks, and that 
large parties of Europeans be employed daily to build their own barracks 
in conjunction with the artificers of the Engineer Department. 

Remarks that as regards the sepoys, it will probably be found the cheapest 
plan to give them hutting money and allow them to hut themselves. 





?Tj 










P. 5. — Adds that since writing the above he has ascertained that double 
hutting money would not cover the expense of the materials requisite for a 
sepoy lull, therefore the above suggestion could not be carried out without 
entailing loss on the sepoys. 


Specification of Proposed Barrack Rooms. 

. v Th , e Rations, and the walls connecting the foundations of verandah 
to be built of stone and mud ; lime being used if procurable. 

Ihe posts of mam room and verandahs to be of soulkie rafters m„„ 
feet apart from centre to centre. alters, nine 

The uprights for the main walls to be 13 feet in height it, ,• : 

Tkos. of tb, verandah to be 8' 6" in height above tbe gS th *P»“ d - 
The trusses to be of soulkie rafters. The pole plates n„ri;„o V 
pole and post plates to be 1st sort rafters, date battens tn the rafte s eovefed" 
over with a single layer of common date matting, then a layer of date W? 
and over this a second single layer of date matting. wave.. 

The walls of the room to be made of wattle and dab In bn p„;u a 

to within 3' of the flooring. Openings for the doors to’be left, three on each 
side of the building, and also m the verandah wall* 

The verandah walls to be also built of wattle and 'dab, built down to within 
four feet of the flooring; the remainder to be left open. These op^nin^ 
can be tilled up m the cold weather, hut in the hot weather they lj£ let 

much air into the rooms. The floors to be filled up to a level wit), tbl i # 
well rammed™ 8 * * ' ***" *™"* ' “ d «4 Z£ 


Btjshiee, 

20tfi December 1855. 


C. J. HILL, Major , 

Commanding Engineer, Persian Meld Fore 


Memorandum dated 21st December 1856, containing items of approximate 
information for guidance of Major Hill, Commanding Engineer. 

1. Forty thousand date mats of the length and breadth required could b 

procured it the people were friendly. They are chiefly made n,,i! p , 

Tangistan. Were it made known to the people of these tribes thifd S* 1 a “ d 
were in great requisition, and would lie paid for to supplier, 11 “^ 
imagine that 40 000 mats could be procured in 4 or 5 months from^his die 

2. Date sticks to the number required could easily be procured in f 

of 2 months, were notice sent forth bv Parties , , d 4 s 2 ace 


Fresh date leaves could be obtained in creates! , 

Kutref and Bahrain. The requisite quantity could be collected nT' Bassora J l1 
without any difficulty in 2 months' time. ed ' lfc ls lma g'ined, 

3. Rafters of tlie length named can bp nhfm’nn/i ^ « 

Zanzibar, and the Suweil, but this would entail considerable O from 

quantities are mostly procurable in Mascat but notbino- 6 Sma H 

sufficiency for the requirements of this force g a PT roach ^ tea 

4. I do not think rafters 20 feet lontr bv 4 " , ,, 

end can be obtained, save from Bombay and Sin. “ diWer at the smaii 







— 


5. No timber procurable save in very small quantities from a few 
the Gulf* considerably distant from each other, and this is im 
India. 

6. Nails of sorts, screws, 
procured from Bombay. 

7 . From Maseat, Bahrain, I u 

two or three months' time, from two hundred to three hundred 
carpenters could be collected, 
serve us without great trouble 

Mascat and Bahrain caiq 

Many masons to be had from Kazran, and nor 
in these parts but few, T 
did they know their services were required. 

Commencing 1 at Borasjan, “ 

£istan and Bushire, some four or live hundred donkeys could be p 
Collected for employment in three or four months, 

500 or 600 Bliisties and Biggaries could be brought together from differ- 
ent places in 2 or 3 months. 

8. It is requested to be borne in mind that the above information is merely 
approximative, much, very much too, must depend upon the temper of 
the people towards us. 

(Sd.) W. DISBROWE, 

Assistant Political Agent, Persian Field Force. 

No. 9, dated 2nd January 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the 
Military Department. 

Requests Government may be informed that the building materials for 
nuts and barracks now in course of preparation for the first Division of the 
Jr email Force, exclusive of those for Hospitals, cannot be completed in less 
than 6 months’ time, and will require about fifteen thousand tons of shipping 
to convey them to Bushire. " 

Letter dated Bombay, 23rd January 1857, from Brigadier Major C. E. North Engineers 

to the Adjutant General. 

T> t ^ at 1S em P Io 7 ed ln selecting and packing portion of an Engineer 

f ark * or the Force, and is desirous of having the whole of the stores packed 
rL C °i 1 carna ;£> e > kut is informed at the arsenal that this will involve great 
difficult and delay. Therefore enquires whether there is any objection in 
order to save time, to the stores being packed in boxes that are too large’and 
too heavy for camel carriage? 

No. 2186, dated 13th July 1857, from Superintending Engineer in Sind, to the 
Military Department. 

States that 100 labourers were despatched to Bushire and 85 of them 
Biggarees. Were sent back without intimation of any kind — but 


ports in 
ported there from 

*> a **d other articles noted in form must all be 

Sinjat, Kowait and Bushire itself, perhaps in 

— J very rough 

It is doubtful however if they could be got to 
' ■ ' 6 l 

pouters most numerous and best workmen. 

-•th of Kazran to Shir&z, 
Perhaps they would secretly flock in from the North' 

1 . ' 
and travelling downwards to Dashtf, Tan- 
five hundred donkeys could be probably 


. , . . . 



Lieutenant Thomson, Acting Executive Engineer, Karachi, who des- 
patched the men, states that he was not aware that Major Hill required 
natives of Sind, and further he considers that the men despatched were well 
suited to the work. 

No. 2566, dated 30th April 1857, from Military Department, to the Quarter Master General. 

With reference to report by Major Hill, relative to the state of the frame- 
work of the field hospitals, forwarded from Bombay to Bushire, states that the 
Governor in Council can find no fault with the Engineer Department at 
Bombay, which appears to have carried out orders with zeal and efficiency, 
and further points out that the skilled artificers called for by Major Hill 


cannot be spared. 

Adds that, although there are no doubt great difficulties in the construc- 
tion of substantial cover for so large a force, the Engineers do not appear to 
have exhibited any marked energy or power of resource to aid themselves. 

■Report by Chief Engineer of Public Works. 

Points out that the materials for the hospitals were prepared with the 
greatest care, and that they have probably been mixed together after being 
unpacked, thus accounting for Major Hill’s carpenters being unable again to 
put together what had been once fitted. 

Considers that Major Hill is taking credit for exertions which he does 
not appear to have made, and throwing blame on those who have done their 
best to make up for bis want of preparation. 


t Report by Garrison Engineer. 

Intimates the manner in which he carried out the preparation of the 
materials. The tenons and mortices of the posts and on the under side of the 
beams were not cut to the proper size lest from rough treatment en route the 
tenons might be broken off and the posts rendered useless* With this single 
exception everything possible was done. 








k,. . 








; . ... '*■ 1 


APPENDIX K. 

Abstract of Correspondence relative to Hospitals and the Carriage 

of the Sick. 


Ko. 2498, dated 29th September 1856, from Secretary, Medical Board, Bombay, to the Quarter 

Master General of the Army. 

States that at this favorable season of the year a small space for the use 
of the sick in each vessel will be sufficient, but' that on arrival in the Persian 
Gulf it would be advisable to have a Hospital Ship fitted up for the reception 
of European sick. 

No. 1924, dated 6th October 1856, from the Quarter Master General of the Armv to 

Secretary, Medical Board. 

Regarding sick carriage for use on the shores of the Persian Gulf, states 
Surgeon Mackenzie considers that doolies and carts on springs will be the 
most useful carriage, hut that in the interior mule litters or kajawas will be 
required, and the Board recommend a supply of wooden kajawas of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Manghan’s pattern in lieu of the iron pattern invented by 
Major Shaw and previously recommended by them. Points out that a differ- 
ence of opinion exists in regard to the value of siek carts on the shores of the 
Gulf. Surgeon McAlister, Residency Surgeon, Bushire, recommends a 
mule litter as quicker in movement and more comfortable to the wounded 
and siek, but as mules may not he procurable, and as only 50 doolies are at 
present provided, the Commander-in-Chief will cause some sick carts to be 
sent with the force. 

States that a recent committee on kajawas remarked as follows : 

The Committee proceed to examine the three kajawas submitted and 
have to report as follows : 7 

“ That they are unanimously of opinion that the iron kajawas submit- 
ted for report by Captain Shaw, Assistant Commissary General, are greatly 
superior to the wooden ones that have been used in the field. They find that 
the chains give as much ease, security and coinfort as can be hoped for from 
any mode of conveyance where a camel is employed. 

“ The Committee are of opinion that there is very little risk of the animal 
becoming sore-backed, as is so much the ease with any pattern of wooden- 
kajawa they have yet seen. 

“ The iron kajawa is found to weigh 1251bs., which it would appear from 
official reports submitted by Captain Shaw is much lighter than some of the 
wooden ones. 

“ The Committee is further of opinion that the iron kajawa (assuming 
good metal and workmanship to be _ employed) is sufficiently strong to stand 
the rough usage of field service without material injury, and that it may 
therefore be viewed us indestructible by the wear and tear of even a long 
period.” 

Assistant Surgeon McAlister, remarking on the « Crimean mule litter ” 
(which seems to he nearly the iron chair of Major Shaw's pattern), points out 
that experience has convinced the French and English armies that the mule 





Sana 


litter is quicker, easier attended, and more comfortable to the wounded and sick 
than ambulances or stretchers. It has also the following additional advantages * 

1st.— A mule costs less than a horse. 

End.— It is supported at less etpeii^e, is more durable, and' will live on 
less and coarser food than a horse. 

3rd. — It will carry two men and then not be overladen. 

It will pass over streams and rivers, along tracts and narrow winding 
paths, &c., in all of which places ambulances would be more than useless, for 
they would only encumber the movement of an army. 

States that the mule litter which he saw in the Crimea consisted in a light 
manageable jointed frame of iron, with a strong canvas stretcher, suspended 
from a neat pack saddle from each side of a mule and capable of being regu- 
lated by means of a screw m any way to sttit the convenience of its occupant, 
who in addition gains additional comfort through avoiding the crowding and 
impure air inseparable from an ambulance. 

Purther, the mules can travel and do their work efficiently where ambu- 
lance carts could not stir. Two men are sufficient to assist a * wounded man 
into the litter, and finally^ the mule litters can go with or follow an army 
into action. 

Adds that the Commander-in-Chief considers that a pattern of the 
Crimean mule litter should be obtained, and Government wall be moved to 
procure one from England, but in the meantime he apprehends that the 
Board will concur with him that the best plan to follow is to provide 
some doolies, sick carts, and iron kajawas, and of these it is proposed to 
send with the force the following supply viz : — Sick carts 10, Doolies 50, 
Kajawas, pairs 50. y 

Ho. 2651, dated 14th October 1856, from Secretary, Medical Board, to the Quarter Master 

General of the Army. 

States that in consideration of the opinions of the committee, mentioned 
in letter No. 1924, and of experiments made by the Medical Officer, of the 
24th May, &e., they arc of opinion that the invention of Major Shaw may 
be considered the best suited for probable requirements in Persia. 

Bemarks that they entertained fears regarding its usefulness, chiefly on 
account of its weight, having learned that of eight 

1 to 156 lbs. of those kajawas in the arsenal, the lightest weighed 

3 to 159 ” 139 others varying from this to 15 9^ lbs, 

4 to 139 ” as shown in the margin, but these specimens are 

5 to 156 „ seemingly of heavier construction than those now 

” under preparation, the weight of which is specified 

8 to 146 to be only 104 lbs. 

States that on perusal of the description of the 
Crimean litter and on inspection of Major Shaw’s kajawa, the two are con- 
sidered almost identical, with the exception of the screw for lowering and 
elevating the litter, but this latter is considered a disadvantage as it is very 
liable to get out of order on service, and Major Shaw’s kajawas are of two 
kinds, one for a sitting and the other for recumbent posture by which means 
all the advantages of the screw system are obtained. With regard to the 
kajawa invented by Colonel Manghan, the Board state that they did not 
intend to recommend its substitution for the iron one, but from their belief 
that it was lighter and of easier construction and from the experience of the 
Physician General (who approved of it from actual observation in the last 
Punjab Campaign), they deemed it advisable to recommend that 50 should, 


jflpiNlflil 



be prepared and sent for trial, and as they appeared to be < 
material was recommended to be sent with the force ai 
structed on the spot. 

Recommends the despatch of some light wood for this 

Adds that the Board concur in the opinion of the C 
as to the number of carts, doolies and kajawas necessar 
force, and which with local c — „h c 
Colonel Manghan's will be commensurate to 
kajawa is found as effective 
warded before the troops 


|awas con* 


* tit J v wvwtuwiili.l 

carnage and the material for the constructs 
„ j any emergency, while if the 
as_ it is believed to be, a supply might be 
engage in active operations in the interior. 

From the Quarter Master General of the Army ' to the Inspector General d 
2Q24t, dated 13th October 1856* 

20 pairs of mule harness were ordered to be provided for ten 

From the Insprctor-General of Ordnance^ to the Military Department No 

17th January 1857. 

Intimates that the Agent for < 

a driving seat can be ' attached to the sick 
being driven abreast, but that the 
mends therefore that the ear 
and bullock har 


sick carts, 

^Hmtaiy Department, No. 431, dated 

gun carriages states that swingle bars and 
- carts to admit of a pair of horses 
very considerable. Recom- 
This was anurov^d 


cost will be \\~y ^ 
‘ts be adapted for bullock draft 
‘ness provided for the 10 sick carts. 

Irom the Secretary, Medical Board, to the Quarter Master-General c 

dated 16th October 1856. 

for S * at f. s . tIiat in . tbe ab ^nce of any other arrangement 
S S ’ r ! W1 '\, be ref J ulred if the troops marc 

v ! the }' oa , rd would recommend that each reg-iim 

should have embarked with it, the regulated number of n 

From the Quarter Master Genera], to the Inspector General of Ord: 

18th October 1856. 

Informs him that Government have sanctioned tl 
few sets of mule litters, and requests him to order their < 
pleted.k nUmber of sanefcl °ued camel kajawas as have 

From ;the Commissary General, to the Quarter Master General 

October 1856, 

Reports that he lias ordered two camel kaiawahs of 
pattern to be made up and despatched with the fore 
necessary materials for preparing kajawahs in the Persian 

From the Superintending Surgeon, Persian Field P™ +i,„ n.. 




recommended that all of the Field Hospital stretchers which are supplied for 
service in Persia should have the canvas well painted before despatch in order 
that it may be cleaned after use ; but Colonel Willoughby suggested that the 
canvas be prepared with yellow ochre which makes it waterproof and washes 
better than paint* and this has accordingly been authorised. 

Prom the Secretary,. Medical Board, to the Quarter Master General, No. 369, dated 2nd 

February 1857. 

Suggests that (owing to the imperfect knowledge of the kind of animal 
likely to be procured for sick carriage in Persia) any kajawas remaining 
to be made up should be adapted for mules* as it is easier to alter them for 
camels than vice versd. 

The same number to be prepared for mule as for camel carriage. 

From Secretary, Medical Board, to the Quarter Master General, No. 438, dated 7th 

February 1857, 

Recommends that Dr. Vaughan's suggestion be acted on, and that the 
Commander-in-Chief be pleased to move Government to procure specimens 
of the mule chairs and saddle eacolets and reclining chairs and stretchers 
as well as mule panniers, although the Medical Storekeeper has, under Dr. 
Vaughan's directions* made up one set of the latter, and the medical board 
have sanctioned others to be furnished for their Department of the same 
pattern. 





g *SI9Z'?Ltt 

O *°H Japtraod-gx 


!PI»g si0ptmod-9 


-asp ‘suaf | 
tag ptre g.{aaiuxru(i 


!>«« sijawJtog 


“saooigo 






■s^ae^nCpy 


■•rag XxBnxaopj^ 


-■mg juBiHistY 


■suSisua pmj s3.011.xo;) 


’sjuaoojnarj 


■saiB^duQ 


■sxofaif 


■siaaop^-^uBua^naYi 


■sxooigo 



* 8 IfciV 0 g 




•BaaiSnu pun saejt^ 


‘»3M 


'g^spu^a 




•sagpuqug 


■sjatra^uai'i 




’eaaaanQ 


’Spuoda'oo 


'e^msa&ieg 




’Biinjpleo 



No. 1239, dated 21st April 1857, from the Medical Board, to the Adjutant General 
States that under date 10th instant, the Superintending Surgeon, 1st Divi- 
sion, writes u the health of the 2nd European Regiment Light Infantry and 
of the 4th Rifles continues steadily to improve and the health o£ the remainder 
of the troops is excellent. 5 ’ 


'No. 1375, dated Bombay, 7th May 1857; from the Medical Board, to the Adjutant General, 

States that the Superintending Surgeon, 1st Division Persian Field Force* 
reports that with the exception of the 4th Rifles, the health of the troops in his 
division continues excellent. 

The European troops are supplied with fresh meat, bread and vegetables. 

The sick of the 2nd European Regiment were about to occupy one of the 
hospitals lately erected, and in a few days those for the other Europeans would 
be ready. 

No. 138, dated 12th May 1857, from the Adjutant General, Bombay, to the General Officer 
Commanding Persian Expeditionary Force. 

("alls for report of the cause of the great and unusual sickness which has 
prevailed in the 4th Regiment Native Infantry while on service* 

From General Officer Commanding at Buahire, to the Adjutant General, Bombay, No* 258, 

dated Bus hire, 8th June 1857. 

In reply to the above, forwards Proceedings of Committee and records his 
own opinion that the 4th Native Infantry suffered chiefly from light clothing 
and from the excessive drilling to which the men were subjected before their 
arrival in Persia, 

Proceedings of a Committee ordered to assemble by Brigadier General J*. 
Jacob, C. B., in Field Force Orders of Bi d June 1857, to report on the cause of 
the sickness which has prevailed in the 4th Regiment Native Infantry during 
the time it. has been on service; in accordance with instructions from His 
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief. 

President ... The Superintending Surgeon, Persian Field Force, 
i f The Field Surgeon, Persian Field Force. 

Members £ The staff Surgeon, Persian Field Force. 

The Committee having assembled at the hospital of the 4th Regiment, 
Native Infantry, (Rifles) on 4th June lb57, and having* examined the hospital 
records, and having made full enquiry into all circumstances bearing on the 
subject in question, and having availed themselves of the opinions and the 
information given by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, as well as by 
the Adjutant, the Medical Officer recently in charge, and the Subadar Major 
beg to make the following report as the result of their enquiry: 

1. It appears that the Regiment was stationed three years at Puna h, 
previous to marching for Bombay en route to Persia on 3rd November last. 
Although the Pun ah Division of the Array is, with the sole exception of the 
Southern, the most healthy one for Native Troops, the average percentage of 
treated to strength being only 93*7 ; the hospital records of the Regiment "shew 
that the percentage of treated to strength was as high as : 

107*70 in 1854-55 and 150T3 in 1855-50. 


The records further show that in six of the twelve months of 1854-55, the 
monthly admissions were above a hundred, and that in the month of May they 
rose to 148, the diseases being chiefly intermittent fever. 







8. In 1855-56 the Regiment 


8. In 1855-06 the Regiment was still less healthy, the admissions in eight 

months rising above a hundred, the highest number being 134 in December 
the prevailing disease being still intermittent fever. 9 

4. During the first eight months of 1856-57 the Regiment was becoming 
more healthy, the admissions in only one of these months having risen above 
a hundred. 

5. It thus appears that during the greater portion of the time the regi- 
ment was stationed at Pun ah, it could scarcely be considered in a healthy state, 
and that just as its health was beginning to improve, the regiment proceeded 
on service. 

6. The regiment embarked from Bombay on 12th November, and 
landed in Hihilah Bay on 6th December. This long residence on board ship 
was to the greater proportion of the men,— to use the expression of the 


7. This residence on hoard ship was followed by a continuous period of 
exposure, hard work, and fatigue, throughout the months of December, Jan- 
uary, and February. 

There were heavy working parties by day and out-lying pickets by night, 
and during a portion of this time, these pickets do not appear to have been pro- 
vided with tents. The men consequently slept on the ground (which was often 
wet) without cover and they got only two nights and a half in bed during the 
; week. 

8. As it may be said that the whole force was subjected to the same state 
of matters, it may be well to bear in mind that during the greater part of 
these three months, there were only two other "Regiments of Native Infantry 
at Bushire the 20tli and the 2nd Balueh Battalion and to allude briefly to the 
different circumstances in which they were placed. 

9. The 20th Regiment garrisoned to town, where the duties were much 
lighter. They had no daily working parties and no ir.ghtlv outlying pickets. 
They were consequently much less exposed to fatigue and to the inclement 
weather. 

10. It is true the 2nd Balueh Battalion had duties to perform equal to 
the 4th Rifles, and were subjected to the same amount of exposure and fatigue 
but being Mussulmans, and living on more substantial food their constitu- 
tions were better able to bear up against the exposure and fatigue. 

Being Mussulmans too, they lived on better food while on board ship. 

11. The hospital roeords show that the admissions during the last six 
months were as follows 

119 ... December. 184. ... March. 

182 January. 139 ... April. 

326 ... February. 160 ... May. 

It will thus be seen that there was a rapid and great increase in the num- 
ber of sick during the first three months, and that by far the largest 


number 



was in February the month during which the regiment was subjected to gret 
fatigue and exposure to inclement weather during the expedition to Burasjai 

With the mild weather of March and April there was a considerable dim; 

nution in the amount of sickness. During last month however there was 
slight increase again. This might be partly owing to the change of season. 

12. The most prevalent diseases during these six months were fevei 
bowel-complaints, and diseases of the chest, and in the following relativ 
numbers : 

Fevers ^ ... ... ... ... ... 448 

Bowel complaints ... ... ... M# 12 

Diseases of chest • ... ... 122 

The feyers were chiefly intermittent being of the same kind which pre^ 
vailed in the regiment at Pumih. 

13. There was nothing particular with reference to the ages of the sick 
their average age with all diseases during the last six months being 29*38. : 

I k On viewing all the" circumstances bearing on the question, the com- 
mittee are of opinion that the causes of the sickness are to be traced— 

1st, to the somewhat sickly state of the regiment while at Punah ; 

2ndly, to the predisposition to disease in consequence of the inefficient 
strength of the men, resulting from this stale and from want of sufficient 
food while on board ship ; and 

•3rdly, to heavy work, and exposure to inclement weather before the strength 
of the men had been recovered. 

15. The Committee, however, are of opinion that a gradual improvement 
in the health of the regiment is taking place. The number in hospital is con- 
siderable less than it was some weeks ago ; and both the Adjutant and Subadar 
Major stated that the health of the men in the lines was decidedly improving*. 


From the Medical Board, to the Adjutant General, No. 1608 of 29th May 1857. 

States that under date 14th instant the Superintending Surgeon, 1st Divi- 
sion, reports that the 2nd European regiment has embarked for Karachi in 
about the usual state of health ; and adds: ■“ The* Europeans now remaining 
here are the artillery, consisting of the 4th Troop Horse Artillery, the 1st and 
4th companies 1st Battalion, and the 3rd Company 2nd Battalion, about 400 in 
number. They are at present in tolerably good health, and are accommodated 
in four of the Hospitals to be used as Barracks. Unless an order should be 





sent from India for them return to Bombay, I fear they will be detained during 
the hot season. & 

The native troops are in good health with the exception of the 4th Rifles and 
20th Native Infantry, the former of which has 100 and the latter 65 in Hos- 


From the Medical Board, to the Adiutant General, No. 1619, dated 5 th June 1857. 

Superintending Surgeon reports under date 22nd May “ that the health of 
the European Artillery continues tolerably good; and of the Native Cavalry 
excellent/* but that the Native Infantry Regiments particularly the 4th and 
20th are not in a satisfactory state of health/the former having 100 and the 
latter 72 men in hospital chiefly from bowel complaints, intermittent fever, 
and scurvy _ 


From the Superintending Surgeon, Persian Field Force, to the Med: 

dated 5th June 1857a 

Intimates that the health of the European and Nati 
Native Cavahy, and of the 26th Regiment Native I of anti 
tory, and that the health of the 23rd Regiment is improvii 
The 4-th and 3 0th Native Infantry continue in a sickly s 
diseases being fever, bowel complains and scurvy. 

Number of sick as follows 

1 st Company 1st Battalion Artillery ... ... 

4th „ 1st „ „ ... 

4th „ 4th „ 

3rd Light Cavalry ... ... 

Pun ah Horse ' ; . ... . ; ... . \ ... ^ M , 

Bind Horse -it'./--- 

Sappers and Miners'/';./; 1 ;:/ i a _ : 

4th Regiment Native Infantry ... 

20 th 

23rd dA ... 

20th .. "■ ■ ■_ V v 

2nd Baldch Battalion 


deal Board, No. 118, 




From the Superintending Surgeon, Persian Field Force, to the Medical Board, No. 126, 

dated 31st June 1857. 

States that the health of the European and Native Artillery continues very 
satisfactory, as well as of the 3rd Light Cavalry, the Punah Horse and the 
26th Regiment Native Infantry. The 4th and 20th Regiments continue 
somewhat sickly the number of scurvy cases in the former being 29, and in 
the latter 51. There are also 8 cases in the 2nd Raluch Battalion, 2 in the 
23rd Native Infantry and 2 in the 3rd Cavalry. 

The majority of the cases, however, are slight, and in some there is decided 
amendment. 

23rd Regiment and the Sind Horse not quite so healthy as could be desired, 
but there is no scurvy in the latter. 

Numbers of sick are as follows ; 

1 st Company 1st Battalion Artillery ... ... ... H 

4th „ 1 st „ „ • ... ... ... 7 

4th „ 4th „ „ ... ... ... 11 

3 rd Regiment Light Cavalry ... ... ... ... 53 

Pun ah Irregular Horse ... ... 17 





1st Regiment Sind Irregular Horse % 70 

"• Sappers and Miners - ... ... ... . t< ' 

4tli Regiment Native Infantry (Rifles) ... ■ . ... ’90 ■ \ 'MyH 

2 1 2oth Regiment Native Infantry ... ... ... 03 

23rd „ Native Light Infantry ... ... ,,, 

26th ,, Native Infantry h ... 21 

^ 2nd Baldeh Battalion ... ... /.-.vN-i,; . ' ■ 50 

Weather becoming 1 hotter. Thermometer at lOCP in the hospitals; nights 
inning close and oppressive. 


No. 2075, dated 22nd July 1857, from the Medical Board, to the Adjutant Generali 
Superintending Surgeon under date 27th ultimo reports very favor 
K>th of Europeans and Natives and particularly of the improved healtj 
he 4th Rifles and 20th Regiment Native Infantry and that they are all 
ided with ample hospital accommodation. 



lit*# !f§ 


APPENDIX L, 


Abstract or Correspondence relative to the Supply of Necessaries 
Provisions to the Force. 


Prom the Accountant General, to the Military Department, No. 3937, dated 25th 

August 1856. 

Requests that the allowances to be granted to the native troops, may be 
notified without delay, and that they may be fixed at the same rates as those 
granted for the campaign in Afghanistan, the native troops having to face a 
long sea voyage, and subsequently a severe winter season. 

Letter from the Military Auditor General, to the Adjutant General, dated 31st August 1856. 

States that in addition to the ordinary pay and full batta of the several 
grades of the army, the native troops serving in Afghanistan in 1839, received 
money rations only. 

For instance, a 4th class private received — 

Pay ... ... ... ... ... 7 o o 

Batta ... ... ... ... ]. 8 0 

Money ration ... ... ... ... ... 3 8 0 

12 0 0 

And when rations were issued to them from the public stores, the value 
was deducted from the money ration and credited to Government. 

If the cost exceeded the money ration, the expense was borne by the State. 
This was the only extra allowance issued to the native soldiery. Personal 
appointments were issued gratis, and native troops now proceeding on Foreign 
Service, would be entitled to the same. 


Prom the Military Auditor General, to the Adjutant General, No, 3, dated 2nd 
September 3856. 

Points out that when rations are issued in kind from the Commissariat 
Stores to the native soldier on Foreign Service, the money ration is fixed at 
the rates laid down in page 70, Jameson’s Code, and there can consequently 
be no balance left to the soldier. In cases where provisions are purchased 
from the Bazar, the actual cost of the several articles composing the ration is 
determined by a monthly committee, and the amount of the money ration 
fixed accordingly, so that in any case, the soldier receives his ration gratis, 
and is fed at the expense of the State. 

In cases where any of the articles of consumption are not or cannot be 
issued by the Commissariat, he receives compensation for short issues at the 
fixed rates. 


Prom Military Department, to the Quarter Master General, No. 2474, dated 2nd 

September 1856. 

Forwards extracts of letter from the Commissary-General, and states 
that the Governor-in-Council has intimated his approval of the propositions 



contained in the 3rd paragraph, and has authorised preparations on a corres- 
ponding scale ; on the subject of the 7th, 8th. 10th and 11th paragraphs he 
requests the communication of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chiefs 
opinion. 

Remarks that the field bakery mentioned in the 12th paragraph is a matter 
of great importance, and statesjthat|the Commissary-General has been author- 
ised to commence it at once. States that the supply of water bags is of import- 
ance, and it is understood that they are under preparation in the arsenal. 


Adds that the suggestion contained in the last paragraph will be br 
under the attention of the Commander-in-Chief, Indian Navy. 


s Extracts from a letter from the Commissary General, No. 1737, dated 29th 

August 1856. 

3. In communication with the Indian Naval authorities, every care shall be 
taken to have the troops, followers, horses and cattle fully rationed to Bushire; 
and although it is understood that provisions of all kinds are readily procurable 
in the Persian Gulf, yet, to guard against all contingencies, I propose 
sending on the troopships a supply of one month's shore rations for all arms, 
and to follow up supply with further consignments of stock at the earliest 
passible period. 

7. A bazar is a simple and economical means of supplying an army 
with many wants, and if judiciously worked and superintended may become 
an important source for obtaining supplies of all kinds. I would therefore 
submit, for the consideration of Government, the expediency of appointing, at 
aii early date, an officer in every way qualified by his knowledge of the Per- 
sian language, to the situation of Superintendent of Bazars to the force. 

’ 8. In the event of extended operations being required, which would 

involve the march of our troops into the interior of Persia, I would, in such 
a contingency, respectfully submit whether it would not be desirable to with- 
draw the management and control of the baggage animals with the foi-ce 
from the officers of the Commissariat and form them into a land transport 
corps, with officers to he specially appointed for this purpose. I make this 



from hence with the force. I have every reason to believe that such a mea- 
sure can be caried into effect at no great expense to the State. 

\ 13. From the difficulty of obtaining good drinking water at Bushire I 
would venture to propose, for the consideration of Government, the expediency 
of making every regiment proceeding on service take their full complement of 
bhi sties and bullocks, and further that an ample supply of camel and bullock 
puckals and chaguls be purchased by the Commissariat and sent to the Gulf. 

14. As many sea transports will be required in the Persian Gulf for the 
service of the Commissariat, it appears to me to he very desirable that clear 
and distinct rules should be established for ensuring that the vessels so employed 
are applied with method and skill; and perhaps if all such vessels are 
placed under the orders of the Naval authorities, much confusion and annoy- 


From the Adjutant General, to the Military Department, No, 4069, dated 4th 

September 1856. 

Forwards copy of Military Auditor General's letter of 31st August, and 
requests that the regulations quoted may be especially made applicable in 
every particular to the Baluch Battalion, and that the Punah Irregular Horse 
be especially allowed, the benefits of the regulations relative to personal equip- 
ment and warm clothing (General Order 955 of 12th December 1855). 


From the Military Department, to the Quarter Master General, No. 2801, dated 24th 

September 1856. 

States that the Punah Horse have been assimilated to the Bengal Irregular 
Cavalry, and will therefore draw the allowances laid down in the regulations 
of the Bengal Presidency. 

In addition, free passage will he given to men and horses, but when 
rationed by the Commissariat, the rations must be paid for according to their 
actual cost, but limited in the case of the man's ration to Rs. 3-8 per mensem, 
and in that of the horse to such amount as the Commander-in-Chie£*shali 
deem just and proper. 

Personal equipments and warm clothing are to be provided for the men 
and followers, and tents and doolies furnished in the same proportion as 
authorised for regular cavalry. 

The Commanding Officer to make up the chaguls, and submit a contingent 
bill through the usual channel. 

The Local Infantry (Baluch Battalion) should be treated and considered 
precisely as the men of the Line Regiments. 


Report by the Auditor General, No. 3, dated 6th September 1856. 

The Punah Horse were ordered to be assimilated in point of establishment 
and pay with the Bengal Irregular Cavalry. 

The Bengal regulations are specific that the extra allowance of one-third 
of their pay to Irregular Cavalry proceeding on Foreign Service, is inclusive 
of all additional charge on their account. I quote from the revised Code now 
under preparation. 

“When under circumstances not entitling to the extra allowance for 
f Foreign Service ' corps, or detachments of Irregular Cavalry may be actually 
employed on active field service against an enemy, they will, in lieu of all 



extra allowance, be passed compensation to tbe extent of excess of tie actual 
price of grain over the scarcity price of £5 seers, the rupee reckoned on the 
daily consumption of 5 seers per horse. The amount is to he drawn in a con- 
tingent bill duly attested, and supported by certificates from the officer com- 
manding the division or detachment specifying the actual price of grain, 
during the time charged in the hill, and that the men for the same period, 
were employed on actual service against the enemy.” 

The extra allowance above* mentioned was originally granted, it appears 
Article 23, ^age 534 , Bengal Code 1845 . to Irregular Cavalry employed 

* Tlie Governor General in Council is pleased oil on the Eastern Frontier of Ben- 

the recommendation of the Com- 

In Cod(! mander-in-Chief, to direct that o-al and bevond sea 

from the date of the 2nd and 3rd g DJ ° m “*• 


Ranks. 


Ressaldar 

Ressaidar 


Naib Ressaldar 


Jemadar 


Rote Duffadar 


Bufifadar 


Niskanchee „ 
Nagarehee, &c. 


than ^Eenga?eoMequeii° ly tbelr Ird^ay S'ltet 7 ^*" 6 “ °P illion that tbe am °™t should 

and generally to the establishments as fixed by regula- he paid for by the men. 

tion, an advance of Rs. 1-3 under the same head and 

denomination. These allowances to continue while 

they are employed on the Eastern Frontier during 

the present war. 

Their horses will necessarily be transported at the public charge and 
In reply to Secretary, rationed during the voyage at the expense of the men 
Lieutenant-Colonel Wood’s (as in the case o£ the same horse when ordered to 
instant,^ have the honour to Afghanistan, and the deduction was at the rate > of 
state that Es. 15 per men- "^ s * ■*■9 P er raensem for giam and forage) including 
sem each horse would, I the officers horses, for the rations of which the owners 
conceive, be a suitable must likewise pay. 


it the men oi the Funah Horse are rationed on 
board ship, or on shore by the Commissariat, they 
should pay the same rate for the same ration as the 
men of the line. 


Pay. 

Ranks. 

50 

Sowar 

27 

Woordie Major... 

17 

Nakeeb 

15 

Vakeel 

12 ! 

English writer ... 

10 

Persian „ 

10 

Native doctor ... 

9 

Extra „ 



% , V i > ' 1 J J i 

' / ' ' * i . 


From the Quarter Master General, to the Military Department, No. 904, dated 5th Sep- 

tember J 856. ^ 

. reply to 24.74, states that the Commander-in ChiVFcr , ; ,, 

]eet o£ the bazar will be communicated by the Adjutant-GenerT °“ ^ ^ 

Blankets, 

Boots, 

European boots ran short. 

Calcutta a°tE' 6pSp^.? PO<i8 ° £ good matemI tendered to be made up in 

No. 17/1 of. 25th September 1856, from “the Quarter Master General, to the Military 
' ir ■ Department. 

1. -Noise in marching*. 

2. Glittering of the bright tin vessel. 

«p» s X‘„“ d “ “ ndW0 "’ “> V “«»» of 


From the Quarter Master General, to the Inspector General of Ordnance, 

13th October 1856. 

Bequests liim to cause a sufficient number of wooden canteen- 

fnr/s 6 /f tlVe 4 nt f nt ff’ 6a PP 8rs > and gun lascars, proceeding f r J 
and Southern Mahratta country those for the 20th Native Tnf 


Wi Eifla 

bj **? «“=”<? i-ooi 



Hi 


mittens, a woollen neek comforter, a 
the boatmen wear in Bombay. 

It would be further considered a 
ernment were to supply strong canv; 

Government property, and to be 1 

such. The regiment is in p I. .. „„ 

but they are of different kinds of cheap cloth and 
canvas bags are almost too expensive to be made 


nd a coarse woollen night cap, such as 

great boon by the troops if the Gov- 
is bags for their kits, to be considered 
. ******* strength of the returns as 
possession of bags of the regulation dimensions, 
l not likely to last long, and 
an article of stoppage from 


Caster General, -No. 902 of 8th September 1856. 

tter by Officer Commanding Sappers and 
canvas bags to be supplied to the men < 
expense, those obtained by the men n 
steel service . ” 


■om the Quarter Master General, to the Inspector General of Ordnance 

September 1856. 3 

vflw C S°thfl HiS Ex f elIenCy tl,e Commander in-Chief, 
ye a tew of the havresaeks sanctioned for the force painted 
en- contents dry in wet weather, and if it be found JoH** 
ve the whole of them painted. r > 


— - bT~ y Gelleral > Ko - 0 59, dated 4th Septem- 

rnment have, at the Commander-in-Chiefs recommends 
epedftiol Sand Canteenst0 ^11 troops, European 

> Commander-in-Chief does not consider hammocks or oil 

. °\ t\ VOy r t0 t he . Pe f slaD Gulf, and one canvas frock 
>. His Exceliency is further of opinion that a supplv of 
.ets, and flannel banians and socks should be provide/ bv 
Idds that the usual beddinn- r>f Prided by 


1 ast6r Gen g 1 * / f t0 the Inspector General 

990, dated 8tb September 3856. 

tates that His Excellency does not consider corn sacks n 
ted corps proceeding to Persia. As the orders no /stand 
230 Horse Artillery 

250 f Foot ,, *" *** 

C Horse Batteries > Horses 

300 Pdnah Horse - - j 

lould a necessity arise in the course of service for the troo 
this ^ necessary, be carried in sand W 


of Ordnance, No. 



BHi 


From the^Commissary General, to tlie Quarter Master General, No. 1824 dated 8th 

September 1856. 

Reports having ordered the undermentioned articles to be prepared as stock 
for the troops : 

Canvas frocks «** ... 1,304 To be issued to the men previous 

„ ' , to embarkation. 

' Great coats ... , w 700 

Socks ... ... ... 8,000 pairs. 

Woollen Guernsey frocks ... 7,617 

^ roo P s take their own great coats, the above number is thought 

sufficient. 

States that the Guernsey frocks are intended for issue instead of the flannel, 
banians usually supplied, and though more expensive they are much more 
serviceable. 

Adds that only 200 blankets are procurable j these will be forwarded and 
a further supply will follow. 


xroops in Jrersia m addition to what they are entitled to gratuitously on em- 
barkation. Reports that he has succeeded in obtaining 1,400 Europe blankets 
6Y x 5', and that he will address Government relative to a further supply 
being procured from the Cape of Good Hope. J 

With regard to Europe boots, states that he has only succeeded in obtain- 
ing 80 pairs, and that he has written to the army accoutrement contractor, Mr. 
Tanner, to ascertain on what terms a supply could be got out from England. 

Remarks that if Europe boots cannot be obtained, country ones wilf have to 
be made up : this is being done in the case of the shoes for the native troops. 

Adds that the only description of blankets procurable are those called 
cumbliexy and that if these are found unsuitable for Persia, 

Persia should be issued to the troops. 

Encloses a list of articles of personal equipment for w' 
indent on the Commissariat Department ; 

Personal Equipment, 

Europeans. 

Canvas frocks 
Tin pots ... 

Great coats 
Blankets, Europe 
Guernsey frocks 
Boots 
Socks 
Natives. 

Flannel banians 
„ drawers 
Shoes 

Country blankets 
Great coats 

Guernsey frocks ■ !" j^or issue in Persia. 


] To be issued to the soldiers 


on embarkation. 


} For issue in Persia. 


To be issued to the men on embarkation, 



From the Commissary General, to the Military Department, No. 1917, dated loth 

September 1856. 

Reports that the substitution of numdas for cumllies or country blankets 
would be unadvisable, as they are very heavy and bulky, and would add much to 
the weight of the baggage of the army. 

States that a muster quilt ( ruzaee ) made of country blanket has been 
prepared, dimensions 6' 8" x 4' and weighing 54 lbs., and recommends its sub- 
mission to the Quarter Master General in order to ascertain if it would be a 
suitable substitute for cumblies for the native' troops. 


From the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General, No. 1066 dated 15th 

September 1856. ’ 

States that His Excellency does not consider country boots in any way 
fitted for issue to the troops owing to their inability to withstand ram, &c. 


From- the Commissary-General, to the Quarter Master General, No. 1960, dated 17th 

September 1856. 

States that the articles noted in the margin are intended for gratuitous issue to 
Europeans. the troops, while Guernsey frocks, boots and socks are 

Canvas froeks f b ? paid for at red uced rates - In t™ates that Europe 

Native Troops' If tbe , r £ f b, ’ ots f not P”“ rabIe « the markets, and 

Flannel banians, tiiat the Officers Commanding 14th Light Dragoons, 

„ drawers. 78th Highlanders and 3rd Bombay Europeans state 

Country blankets. tba£ f f 110 sfcoc ^ boots in the regimental 

stores; and forwards a letter from Messrs. Tanner,. 

Great coats and blankets Army contractors, in which they offer to make up boots 

coats" to TatTves and Srei “ f f U, ' try mat ? rial ^ R *. 4-8 each, at the rate of four 

Extract from a letter from the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General. 
Doolies and dooly bearers and medicine coolies are not to he shipped with 
the .roops. Puekaulies are to be embarked with their bullocks. — See Append- 
ix A, page . " 

J? regard to warm clothing and personal equipment, I am directed to be» 
that indents may at once be sent in to the Deputy Commissary General at the 
I residency, these articles will be allowed as follows, and the Commissariat 

Bombay* d ^ reil,ieSted to bave tllem shi PP ed 011 the transports in 

Europeans ^- Each man, 1 tin pot, 1 canvas frock, 1 havresack, 1 canteen. 

Jyatives. Each man, 2 flannel banians, 2 pairs flannel drawers, 1 pair shoes, 1 country 
blanket, 1 canteen, 1 havresack. . 

Public Follotcers.— Each man, 2 looie or country flannel banians, 1 cumblie. 

From the Military Department, to the Quarter Master General, No. 2859 of 27th 

September 1856. 

States that the issue of two blankets to each European soldier is unneces- 
sary, as each soldier carries his regimental blanket with him, and the commis- 
sariat will have a stock of 1,500 or 2,000 blankets in store. . Moreover, the 
required number could not be procured in time. Adds that if the force 
marches into the interior in winter, warm clothing will be sent out from 
England, and the resources of the country will be applied by the Commanding: 
Officer upon the spot. 



From the Quarter Master General, to the Military Department, No. 1699 of 22nd Sentem 

her 1856. e 

Witli regard to the ruzaee or quilt proposed as a substitute for 
eamblm by the Commissary General, observes that, in the Commander-in- 
Ohief s opinion, the ? although a very good covering xn cold dry wea- 

ther appears unsuitable for a Persian winter, as, if once wetted, it would be 
very heavy, and could hardly be dried again, save under great heat. 

States that the Commander in-Chief considers that two of the common 
black DekkaD cumblies well quilted together without any cotton would be the 
best covering that could be furnished. 


From the Officer Commanding 1st Bombay Fusiliers, ’to the Commissary General No. 
107, dated 22nd September 1 856. 

States that there are no ammunition boots in stores, but that the master- 
shoemaker is prepared to turn out boots made of Europe materials at Rs. 3 
per pair, and engages to furnish 300 per month made up by Europeans. 


From the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General, No. 1700, dated 22nd 

September J856. 

In reply to I960, states that the specimen hoots of country leather made 
by Messrs. Tanner appear to be superior to the ordinary kind, but as the Com- 
mander-in-Chief doubts the leather standing marching in wet weather be 
recommends only a partial supply being sent until a good supply caxx be 
procured from Europe. Remarks that these boots should be made as hi*h as 
possible in the quarters, so as not to admit water. Adds that the 04th Re<W- 
meot is very well supplied with boots and shoes. & 


From the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General, No. 1744, dated 23rd 

September 1856. 

Intimates that ■ although the Commander-in-Chief does not requin 
mnocks and bedding to be issued for use on boardship, he is of opinioi 
t one extra blanket is necessary. 1 

[ 4 Battalion "Artil- ,, Commander-in-Chief further recommend: 
achi J lery. warm clothing and personal equipment* 

I ^htfnZtT p * r °°P s . embarking from Vingorla, Karachi, ant 
LBaldch Battalion. ° re bunder £ ball be made up in bales by the Com- 
( Her Majesty’s mxssanat Department and handed over to the Com 
;orla j 64th Regiment, missariat OfBcei’s at the ports of embarkation. 


European Corps, 


>X 



•sapgiqg 


’SajBAp*} 


•aiaa&i'Bjl 


‘sjomazru^ 




'BiBpnjBnQ 


‘saupcgna 




■s^attaJgiag 


'BXCp’BtODp 


"saBpBqng 


WO£ 




■sjatmnQ 


‘BaaramtuQ 


‘sjapSngt 


•sjauacj; 


’siBiodjtoo 


'8%avo3iQQ 


'S'j.UBua^.nai'i 


•suiB^daQ 


*sj;auo[oo 





























Th© 4th Regiment (Rifles) continue ven 
m the 3rd Cavalry is much above the averag 
of the troops may be considered satisfactory, 

Weekly Keport of the number of sick in the 2nd 
Force, Camp near Bushire, 13th 


Regiment* 


.Regiment. 


Her Majesty's 78th High- 1 2 3 66 

landers. 


62 26th Native Infantry 


From the Quarter Master General, to the Secretary, Medical Board, No. 1213, dated 13th 

February 1857. 

States that the Agent for gun carriages reports that a kajawah in any 
r ay suited lor a mule could not be converted into one for a camel as the latter 
rnst have a very high centre part, connecting and in one piece with the two 
hairs, and this centre portion has no existence on a mule kajawah. 


Extract No. 36, dated Bushire, 16th February 1857, from the Superintending Surgeon 
1st Division, to the Deputy Adjutant General, Persian Field Force. ° ’ 

Reports as follows on the state of health of the 2nd European Lighi 
Infantry. 1 6 

The general appearance of the men was considerably more healthy thar 
could have been expected after suffering so muc-li from fever in Sind. ] 
ascertained that out of the entire strength of the Regiment consisting of 85S 
fighting men, 395 had never been admitted into hospital since the arrival of 
the Regiment in Persia, and that of the remaining 463 men, a lar«-e pronor- 
tion, about two -thirds, had only been admitted once. ° 1 

I was assisted in the inspection by the Surgeon of the Regiment, Dr 
Wright, who stated that the health of the men had very considerably improv- 
ed since their arrival at Bushire, and that it was still improving 

From the facts now stated the health of the Regiment may 'be pronounced 
very satisfactory. 





From the Chief of the Staff, to the Deputy Commissary General, Expeditionary Field 
Force, No. 14, dated Camp near Bushire, 2nd March 1857. 

Is directed by the Lieutenant-General Commanding to state that the 
ambulances have proved so useless, owing to their weight and unwieldy 
construction, the Lieutenant-General considers it would be useless sending 
any more from Bombay. 

Remarks that from the report of those who have used them, it was deemed 
un advisable to take them on the late expedition to Boras jan and Sir J. 
Out ram is of opinion that they are quite unsuited to the country, for the 
purposes for which they were intended. - 


From the Deputy Commissary General, Persian Field Force, to the Commissary General 
Bombay, No. 72, dated 2nd March 1857. ■ 

Forwards copy of letter from Chief of the Staff, from which it will be se< 
that the Lieutenant-General Commanding the Force does not consider th 
the ambulances adverted to can be made available in Persia. 


Above letter from Chief of Staff was in reply to one from the Deputy 
Commissary General in which he pointed out that if the ambulances were 
merely required on the line of march bullocks would be suitable, but jf 
required to move quickly, horses would be necessary. 

From the Secretary, Medical Board, to the Adjutant General No. 819 of 12th*March*I857. 

Small-pox having appeared amongst the troops at Bushire recommends the 
immediate despatch of a few recently vaccinated children (with their mother) 
to introduce vaccination and arrest the epidemic. 



'id 


Table showing the proportionate sickness of European and Native Troops, Persian Field 
Eorce, for four weeks, during tbe month of February 1887. 


Weeks ending February. 


Average abstract. 


Beport on tbe state of the Military Hospitals in the 1st Division of the Persian 

Field Force. 


Hospitals of the "Brigade of Artillery. 

The Brigade of Artillery consists at present of the 4th Troop Horse Artil- 
lery, the 1st and 4th Companies of the 1st Battalion, the 3rd Company 2nd 
Battalion, and 4th Company 4th Battalion. The troop as well as each Company 
has a separate Hospital tent, or tents of its own, but as the whole Brigade 
is in charge of one medical officer, and as the general arrangements are uni- 
form throughout, it will, I think be desirable to report on the several hospitals 
of the Brigade as a whole, rather than on each separately for in the latter ease 
there would necessarily be much tedious repetition 


10-7 

4*6 

5*9 

16*8 

5*9 

7*2 


d '3rd Troop Horse Brigade 
I 1st Company 1st Battalion Artillery 
o'" 4th ditto 

S Her Majesty’s 64th Regiment 
^ L2nd European Regiment Light Infantry 

'3rd Regiment Light Cavalry 
o5 Punah Irregular Horse 
j> ■ 2nd Baluch Battalion 
H 4th Regiment Rifles 
I 2 ? 20th Regiment Native Infantry 

^Sappers and Miners 


General observations. 


2* The hospitals consist of as many double-pole tents as are required from 
time to time, and they are matted throughout. They are consequently as 
comfortable as tents can possibly be made on field service. 

3. The sick are visited with great regularity and punctuality always twice 
a day, and of course oftener if the state of the patients requires it. The hos- 
pital tents are perfectly clean, the bedding and clothing in good order, and 
the patients are arranged in double rows, their names and diseases being 
docketed in the same manner as in fixed hospitals. There were no complaints 
from the patients, and they appear to be treated with equal kindness and judg- 
ment. The average number of patients for the year terminating on 31st ultimo 







3 11-8 in the troop, 7‘49 in the 1st Company 1st Battalion, and ?■ 
Company 1st Battalion. 

The 3rd Company 2nd Battalion and 4th Company 4th Battalion 
>rds which show the average. The former only loined the forces 
mo* the latter on 1 5th February. 


ne double-pole tent , which is matted. The 
punctuality. The Hospital tent is perfect- 
5 there is no Hospital clothing. The pati- 
I heir names and diseases are not docketed 
vice. There were no complaints from the 


Hospital of the 4th Regiment Native Infantry (Rifles). 

General observations. 

27. The 4th Regiment Native Infantry being quartered in the town of 
shire, accommodation for the hospital is provided in a bjiildino- which 
inged to the late Persian Governor. As a temporary arrangement, it answers 
eedmgly well# It is kept perfectly clean. The clothing is in good order# 




■ 


WI 


■■IH 

HM 




BHBHll 



I 


S! ffc^ 

i iij • ( ! < ( 1 k 


|> 


■ SB- 

I ‘ I 

fife 1 



The sick are visited with regularity and punctuality. The patients are arrang- 
ed m double rows. Iheir names and diseases are not docketed. There have 
been no complaints from the patients who appear to be treated with great 
Kindness. I heir average number for the year was 60-08. 

Hospital of the 20th Regiment Native Infantry. 

General observations. 

matted The k° sp3tal consists at P resenfc °f two double-poled tents, which are 

. ,iv ey m C ? Ie . an - TIle sick are visited with regularity and punc- 
tuality. The clothing is in good order. J “na punc- 

The patients are arranged in double rows. Their names and diseases are 
not docketed, the regiment being on active service. There have' been no 
complaints from the patients who appear to be treated with kindness. Their 

average number for the year ending 31st ultimo was 19-75.- 

Hospital of the 2nd BaUch Battalion. 

General observations. 

rp, f ' Th<5 P h °ff ita ? consi ® ts of two double-poled tents, completely matted 

« «L i . o ^S eir irr d f “ es » 

assas* ;i: 

Emm ib. Medic! Bo.rf, to th. Adjutant Gened, No. 1019, dated 28th Merck 1857. 

SSI - 

. From ib. Staff, Persian Field iW, 

sSHSHSSsESB 

°“”“ ai "F K»dS>».ta.ta the Chief of th. Staff No. 165, 4*d 27th 
17tli February 1857, fton mh^rilfwhen* dSl-el? the”"?™,'? 

«f time i„ 

Hospital matted i, - 





ot tiio hospitals was commenced, but owing" to the framework being 
plete it was found they would take a longtime to erect unless plenty o; 
labour were available. This he applied for repeatedly, but it was not s 
addition to this, the artificers were for some time engaged on the < 
of Bushire, itself a work of primary importance. 

Adds that the hospitals were planned to contain 48 men each, 
slightly deviating from the plan they hold 100 men each, and the cons 
is much expedited. 

From the Medical Board, to the Adjutant General, No. 1156, dated 11th April 1 

that the Superintending Surgeon, 1st Division, reports unc 
28th ultimo the health of the Troops at Bushire continues most satisfaeto: 
btoveli states under the influence of bright clear mild weather the heaiti 
men of the 4th Rifles has much improved, the number of sick in Hospifc* 
92 instead of as formerly 210. He further reports that the health of 1 
European Regiment is steadily improving, and adds in conclusion that tl 
pitals and troops are daily supplied with fresh meat, bread, and vegetaU 

Table showing the proportionate sickness of European and Native Troops 1st Di 
Persian Field Force, for five (?) weeks from 1st to 29th March 1857. 

/* 1st Company 1st Battalion Artillery Ml Average 

Ettbofeans. ) t n •” tt ” . ... 


Natives, 



canala by which water flows all the withered leaves fall and rot. Among these 
Sght? KaVe had t0 W ° rk dunDg the day > and t0 encam P in cI °se vicinity at 

. iTi?? Ca ™ P L is , no T b ® in S moved a short distance inland, about a mile and 
f, ka jf, from the banks of the river > and about three-quarters of a mile from 
the date groves, to somewhat higher, drier, and better ground, but still low 
.“f ! e ; e -> ln com , m ,° 1 D Wltb tb e Whole plain in the vicinity of Muhammerah. I 
, however, credibly informed that far more suitable ground is to be found a 
few miles higher up, and on the banks of the river Karun, and I am in Lpes 
££ C ™ tanc f ^mit of the force being moved thither at an eady 

totectti the? 6V ? lf + ? ere W f® no milifc ary considerations in respect to 
P, , » he town, &c., the want of transport presents a most serious ©beta- 

ke nmcn D red m r e T nfc ; bUt Pr0bab1 ^ a sufficient quantity can in a moderate time 

i*«sa wi “* tte ^ 







From the Military Department, to the Quarter Master General, No. 2818 of 25th 

' September 1856. 

With reference to the correspondence regarding nzaees , &e states 
that it appears to Government advisable, instead of furnishing a double sup- 

T? tly R° th i T? ght of ec i u, ‘p ment ’ to 

ntry blanket. Remarks that it is only in the event 
winter the warmer clothing is likely to be 
applied by the Commissariat Department from 


the regulation single couju_ 
of an advance into Persia during 
required, and it could then be su 
the stock placed in depot. 

From the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General, No. 1810, dated 27th 

September 1856. 

i* 0 n! nt f imate iii tha i t ?° Vern ™ P " t have been requested to sanction the gratuitous 
issue of one blanket to each European soldier. fe 0U 

From the Commissary General, to the Quarter Master General, No. 2115, dated 29th 

September 1856. 

* nt,m f es that a portion only of the banians and drawers required for the 
ce can he supplied of Europe flannel, in consequence of a sufficient supply of 
good worsted flannel not being procurable in the market at present 1 " 

for tirnSrtmoml thfl ba,uans ai ; d ^wers required to complete the supply 
tor the native troops he made up of lone, as also those for the followers. 

From the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General, No. 1881 of 2nd Octo- 

ber 1856. 

staf , es t! . lafc when the best material sanctioned cannot be procured 
t.he_only alternative is to have recourse to the best procurable, and in thi* „„ ’ 


conveys the recommendation of the Medical Board th; 
olankets be substituted for cnmO/ie .?, or, if that be found im 
muMies may be supplied to each native. 

^rom the Quarter Master General, to the Commissary General, No. 

September 1856. 

Slates that the Comma nder-in -Chief fully concurs in 
General's recommendation that every regiment should take 
moot of Bhieties and bullocks, and" lias directed regiments 
accordingly. ° 

From Secretary, Medical Board, Bombay, to the Quarter Master Gen 
No. 2529, dated 2nd October 1856. 

Recommends that, in addition to one Europe blanket, each 
should be supplied with a gingham quilt, lined with a soft 
7 x 4f such as is used in hospitals. 



F '“ lh ’ M " ter e — '• irta, »* H »- >“». »*« mh 

States that His Excellency the Commander in Pk,* 0 f # 

leather boots will be of little use in wet weather, and desires^W E, “w 7 
may be supplied to the men. > a aesues that Europe booted 

From the Commandant of ArtiUery^the Quarter Master General, No. 841 of 20th 

commanding Is endeavouring to make arrano-ements to 'eiw+w ° i ffice J 
also to keep up the supply while on service ° effeCt tiat ob J eet and 

*Zt Th m w*v' 6 T 1 ’ t0 ^ Genera1 ’ 2217 of 24th 18*. 

States that His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief has ascertained - 
the force will arrive in the Persian Gulf dml™ +jJ • T . n ‘ Mne “ , thatl 
therefore of opinion that waterproof capes should he'n^ 1 ' be 18 

bo„d, 40 per cat. of end, cape, to be 3 <l2° ke pre I” ed “ d p '“ »” 


Prom the D. A. 0. General, Bomb,,. to the Cmmisearr General, K„ lost rf 

January 1857. 

States that he is aware that tide tohn q crrnrJ ins? +• u ■ . 
slightly inferior to the muster, buThetj 

they were sufficiently good and strong for the voyage, they were sir 
consideration of there being no time to supply others? J 

““ “ “ “• *** ** 

for ^ « 

the Battalion, in consequence of which the iLfif J-, ymeially too s 
embarked without them! having tried hieffec ^iK 0 ?^ 1 ^^^^ 2lld 
that of thi 5 th %£ ^foLTit 



of those he had received were found too small, bn 
them. The 8th, 11th and 22nd are in a similar 

TW ? f e K , t0 o of, k 1 baek fche eboe8 as the f were s 
Ihe 28th and 29th have not yet received shoes, 
to expedite their supply. 

From the Adjutant General, to the Officer Command! 

Sattara, No. 927, dated 4th Febr 

States that 300 of his Regiment united t 
ordered for service in Persia and that they wil 

Pdnahliors? 3 ' 07 precisely the same advantage 











*po<>A\ «$; 


•51$$ 


-BWotaQ 


•saop^o^ 


•pjTSqBTlif 


uonI)iQ; 


uoptioq; Mcqoq a fz 310u.uy 


■anoi^ 


■p'eojg 



Amended table of daily rations to be issued to Native 


Fighting 

men. 


Public 

followers. 


Private 

followers, 


Bice Mangalore, 1st, sort 


Gram parehed 


Letter dated 24th February 1857, from Lieutenant' Colonel Malcolm, Commanding Southern 
Mahratta Irregular Horse, to the Adjutant General. 

Submits for sanction table of establishments which appear absolutely neces- 
sary for efficiency, regiment consists of 400 sabres, but has nevertheless to 
he organised as a regiment up to its full strength. 

States that the rates shown are what appear to him necessary to ensure 
good order before marching but that, should it hereafter appear that the 



diment required for the 
ju tenant- Colonel Malcolm 


1 Woordie Major 

1 Nukeeb 

3 Wakeels or Pay Duffa&ars 

1 English. Writer 

i Persian „ 


1 1st Native Doctor 


1 Trumpet Major 


Establishments. 


This number is required on ser- 
vice. 


3 BMsties 


1 Chowdry 
1 Moohusuddee 
3 Flagmen 


Contingencies. 


Stationery 


Allowance for 
necessary. 


a Regiment is 


Carbine allowance at As. 1-6 per 
sowar R. and F. 

Horse allowance to Native Doctors 


Forge Establishment. 


1 Maistry Smith 
1 ^ Gun stocker 
i Fireman 
1 Hammerman 
Bellows Boy 

Allowance for steel and charcoal 







2nd Hospital Assistant 
Batta 


The Regiment 
be allowed to it th 


assimilated to the Punah Horse and n 
t been granted to the latter 

7, from the Military Department, to the Adjni 

recommended to the followers 0 fi 


ern AT „ u If t ira a 1 ‘°wances 

n Mahratta Irregular Horse, and 
tied to any extra alhr 
money rations, not Horse allowance, 

Extract No. 7 A, dated Camp Bushire, 26 
«. Adjut 

, t “ e recent expedition to Bo 
either lost or destroyed their boots a 
X therefore directed the Commau 

The n? V T“ ment St ° res > S-'-atis to ever 
The number required for the native 1 

i. am given to understand tint- f] 

ZVrS " B r>»r SS “ 

I trust however that an ample su 
Europeans and Natives. P 

Erom Assistant Surgeon Wil mo t, Horse A 
4th Troop H. B., No 
Recommends the issue (to the me 
sheet about T x Z\’ as it can beTeSl 
the health of the men, who „*i. 


Commanding 





itities of stores have been transhipped, thus rendering it impossible to 
:tain the amount of stores originally placed on each vessel. 


From. the Commissary General, to the Military Department, No. 1275 of 16th 

March 1857. 

In reply to report that lists of stores shipped on transports proceeding to 
Persia are neither given to masters of the ships nor forwarded to the consignee, 
states that the commanders of transports have invariably been furnished 
with detailed lists of all stores embarked, and that similar documents have 
also been forwarded to the Commissariat officers in Persia. 



From the Commissary General, to the Military Department, No. 1004 of 3rd March 

1857. 

Explains that the reported inferior- quality of many of the articles supplied 
to the troops by the Commissariat Department is mainly due to the fact that 
all the superior kinds have been, exhausted in the markets, thus rendering the 
despatch of the description complained of, unavoidable : intimates that in the 
case of inferior tea brought to notice, a strict enquiry is being* made; and 
adds that in every case where a Contractor lias been found to be in fault, the 
contract penalties have been levied. 

From the Quarter Matter General, to the Military Department, No. 99 of ,14th May 

1857. 

Conveys the Commander-in-Chlef's recommendation that mosquito curtains 
should be issued to the Troops at Muhammarah with the least possible delay. 

From the Commissary General, to the Quarter Master General, No. 6286 of 16th October 

, 1856. 

In reply states that orders have been issued for the supply at Bushire of 
one month's fuel for the voyage and one month's stock for issue on shore. Fuel 
is scarce at Bushire. 


From the Commissary General, to the Military Department, No. 2497 of 24th October 

1856. 

Recommends that from the great -want of forage about Bushire one 
month's supply of screwed hay for the use of the force may be sent in native 
boats to that place. 

From the Military Department, to tbe Commissary General, No. 3402, dated 3rd 

November 1856. 

Conveys sanction of Government to above proposal, and intimates that the 
boats should be directed to make for Basidu, where they will receive orders 
for their further voyage. 

From tbe Commissary General, to tbe Quarter Master General, No. 2538 of 27th 

October 1856. 

Reports that nearly the whole of the Transports have been completed with 
provisions, water, and dead stock ; excepting parched, gram powa hay, and 
clothing now in course of shipment, and which will be completed by the end 
of the month or earlier. 

States that the supply of provisions for the force has been prepared for 
50 days, 30 of which are shipped on the transports, the other £0 days will be 
embarked on the store ships, and adds that all the surplus stock will be 
janded and be available for shore rations. 



most arduous duties it would be impolitic to overwork the former by impo- 
sing on it a duty which is clearly the special business of the latter. Adds 
that the purchase of food by the transport subordinates affords an opportunity 
for fraud which they would not be slow to seize, the cattle would bo starved 
by them in order to enrich themselves. 

From Lieutenant General Outran), to the Quarter Master General, Bombay, No. 10, 
dated 10th March 1857. 

Reports that there will be a deficiency of forage if the shipments in the 
manner heretofore pursued be stopped, and states that the matter is of the 
utmost importance. Therefore requests the Commander-in-Chief to urge upon 
Government the absolute necessity of shipping hay bales on transports with- 
out delay. 

From the Acting Deputy Commissary General, to the Commissary General, No. 3185 
dated Bombay, 14th March 1857. 

Reports that the utmost difficulty has been experienced in obtaining shoes 
for the corps on service, which has been enhanced by the fact of there being no 
contract for the supply of these articles, but by dint of great exertion the whole 
of the troops were supplied with the exception of a portion due to the 26th 
Regiment Native Infantry, two companies of the Light Battalion, and the 4th 
Company 4th Battalion Artillery for whom the number required is ready, and 
will be immediately despatched. 


From the Adjutant General, to the Officer Commanding 25th Native Infantry, Ahmedabad, 
No. 2024, dated 18th March 1857. 

Communicates the Commander-in-Chiefs desire, that he will be cautious 
to see that the men previous to embarkation are fully provided with shoes. 

, Calcutta and Madras were both indented upon for fodder. The hay was 
shipped in bales of one maund each (for convenience of carriage). Its average 
price was Rs. 2-15-0 a maund, delivered on board ship at Calcutta. 


Extiacfc from a letter No. 316, dated 7th April 1857, from the Commissary General 
Government of India, Military Department. 



tofonlt ?« T * r0uWej each Moek contains half a day’s ration for a 
heinsr at one^ fi?£!r eC0 , n< ? my ln frei & ht and land transport eff, 

withaU the - ste - d ™ 

As no dependence could be placed upon the Indian market 

raijsttsa* 1 TCse ““ s * il ™ T — iS ^ 

El11 '” B °' 446 °' ' kW 1111 185?, fr« tb. Militaiy D,p>rt»„ t to & 

(General. 

S fT rate 1 ° f f? rei » a service batta to the Detachments o 
Smd and Punah Irregular Horse, for the period they have bWn“n I 

From the Officer Commanding Pdnah Horse, to the Assistant Adjutant General, 
Pwnab, No. 259, dated 14th November 1857, 

Bequests that ration money at the same rates as was granted to t 
Followers may he sanctioned for the syces of the corps llm served 
these men only received Rs. 5-4-0 per mensem (and those who dI se H 
t f T d PkCeS n° r w 10 P er metlsem ) a cd it was only with their £ 

So ConZsZt 1>, ' 00Ure “ ti0ns fOT tle -itUout 1: 

From the Military Department, to the Adjntant^General, No. 7378, dated 26th ] 

Regrets that the daim on behalf of the syces cannot be reeocmist 
Persian Writer and 4 Regimental Bhisties, having received Foreign 

pay Rave no claim to money rations in addition. ^ 

Claims on account oE syces, Persian Writers, and Bhisties are dis 

Horse e Td k th^if n th1 a mese° r t ratl0 i nS l^ 6611 prefered on account of 
^.orse, and that it the present application were acceded to the Punal 

EtoMiSL*" belto *"*» W«,.oeiv.a £££ 





APPENDIX M, 


Abstract of Correspondence Relating to the Supply of Ordnance Stores, 
and the Ordnance captured. 


No. 2761, dated 27th October 1856, from Principal Commissary of Ordnance, to Inspector 

General of Ordnance. 

Reports that the whole of the heavy ordnance and stores have been 
2-8" Iron Mortars. shipped, as also the whole of the general 

2-8" „ Howitzers. park and engineer stores. 

2-18 pr. Iron Ordnance. 

f Jaaaia 10 ronnfIs ‘ Also that the whole of the hall am- 

’Fuzii 50,000 „ monition as per margin has been shipped, 

• weighing 48 tons. 

810,000 „ 

States that the powder is ready for shipment, the sick carts, doolies, and 
camp equipage have been shipped. 

Remarks that 10,000 rounds of ammunition for the new rifle can be 
prepared by the 8th proximo, 20,000 rounds are daily expected from England, 
and the Commissary of Ordnance, Pun ah, lias been ordered to send all he has 
in store, about 5,000 rounds. 

Adds that he has placed one of his best armourers at the disposal of the 
Field Commissary of Ordnance, to make any repairs that may be required^to 
the new musket rifle. 


No. 726 of 8th October 1856, from the Inspector General of Ordnance and Magazines, to the 

Military Department. 

The Principal Commissary of Ordnance wrote on 29th ultimo recommending 
the addition to the siege train of a couple of 8" mortars, stating that the 
train was incomplete without ordnance of this description. In reply it was 
observed that the heavy ordnance to accompany a force must depend on the 
nature of its operations, and that this must have guided the authorities 
concerned, in determining to take two 18-pr. guns and two 8" gun howitzers 
and the selection of these guns (which are nob siege train guns) would 
appear to show that siege operations in Persia are not contemplated. 

It was further pointed out that the difficulty in providing and maintaining 
transport in sufficient numbers, added to the reasons already stated, combined 
to limit the amount and nature of the heavy ordnance selected. Two 8" 
mortars weigh 16 cwt., their beds 24 cwt., and the latter cannot be carried on 
carts, but must be accompanied with two ponderous sling carriages. 

It was pointed out however, that there could be no objection fo the 
provision of wooden beds for the two 8" gun howitzers, if there were any in 
store, to admit of its being fixed, as a substitute for a mortar. 

In reply, Commissary of Ordnance states that he concurs in the view 
of the case expressed, but it still appears to him desirable to despatch 
the mortars for the following reasons. 

The expense of sending two 8" mortars with their beds 'and travelling 
appurtenance, ammunition; &c., to be landed at the base of operations, will 


as™ 


— 


Jflj 


■pte 




'rV J, - 
* f ' *• ■ * ’ 




* m ,jf 1 1 IlfJ 

|f||§ji f§t§f§ | 
p»ftiiill# 

■liiii 


th T gH 7 6n if the ^ orce returns 

considerattfo? t Z^T ?°f ° f th V ,at,lre of th « country he leaves the 
dedsion subject to those who are able to arrive at a correct 

adaptedTothS howitzers.^ **“ "* Q ° W °° den beds ia the Grand Arsenal 


instructed ^ in G ® r,eral , g Ordnance and Magazines states that not being 

opinion and therAf^ 0 f^ * 3 °P eratlons of the Force, lie is unable to form an 
opinion, and therefore forwards correspondence for consideration of Govern- 


No. 657 of 26th January 1857, from the Inspector General of Ordnance, to the Quarter 
■’ 1 ■ ; . Master General* 


batSv^f P f Dci P al Commissary of Ordnance reports that the first 

„f‘7 f th fountain train for service in Persia, consisting of 13 pieces 

C °" Ve y anc ® V hantl > °r for bullock draft, or^ule 
ramiAsts fh«f 6 ex ^P^ 10ri °f ^ arne ss lias been shipped for transmission, and 

requests that an officer may be appointed to take charge of No. 2 Mountain 

-Battery which is equipped in every respect like No. 1. 


No. 2199, dated 31st March 1857, from the Inspector General of Ordnance, to the Quarter 

Master General. 


toPersiffrAm^p 16 P ieee ® of ordnance have been despatched 

to rersia from the Grand Arsenal since 1st January : 


Ordnance Brass Howitzer 12-pr. Mountain Train 

.. TVTnnnfoir* /1.2 V 


„ Mountain 4f v 
Mortar 5£" 

» „ 4f 

Iron Gun 12-pr, heavy 
9) Howitzers 8' ; G. M. 
„ Mortars 8" 


■ States that the field battery composed of four 9-pr. and two 24-nr„ 
howitzers sent from Fort St. George along with the 3rd Company 2nd Bat- 
talion Artillery is not included in the above statement, which exhibits only 
the ordnance actually supplied from the Grand Arsenal, and not any of that 
which was in regimental batteries prior to despatch to Persia. 


Secret Despatch from the Directors, H. E. I. C„ dated London, 23rd June 1857. 

Requests that measures may be taken to remove all the captured cannon 
to India, as Her Majesty s Government deem it of the utmost importance that 
those tabens of victory should not be restored to the Shah's officers, because 
they would m that case be exhibited as proofs that the Persian army remained 
victors in the contest. 


No. 101, dated Camp Hyderabad, 4th May 1856, from Officer Commanding 2nd European 
Light Infantry, to the Assistant Adjutant General, S.D.A., Karachi. 

Intimates that the muskets in charge of his regiment have become enlarged 
in the bore from use— so much so, that if the musket be turned down the bullet 





1 


mm 



Brings to notice the defective state of the rifles which hsim h^™ * 
since 1842. Also intimates that the knapsacks have been in wear® years and 
months longer than the period prescribed by the regulations, and are^sorotte n 
that they can scarcely be kept together by constant repairs. 

From the Deputy Adjutant General, to the Inspector General of Ordnance, Fo. 4143 dated 

Sth September 1856. ’ ted 

Forwards proceedings of a C ; _ 

ments of the 4th Rifles, and requests him to 
with an entire new * ‘ “ 

tablishment, it bein 
merit to its full str 
The 4th Nati 
rifle joining 

the Inspector General o£ Adjutant General, No. 131, dated 10th 

,, r ? pl '[ to lette *j the st |Pply of ammunition to the 4th Rifles states 

h J, : K l Pr ° p0 f ed ttat a S 1 PP / °, f two hundl ' e d rounds per man should pro 
ceed with the park, or as much of that proportion as mio-ht 8 a 1 °? 

there is likely to be a difficulty with regard to the quality of the am 7 ’ &S 
the Officer Co mn) aedi„ g t Jltegto.ft eho „U L^d” L tZTcS 
with the Commissary of Ordnance at Punah, with the view of h" t h e 1m 
munition in store at that station tested and reported upon State* h» L 
reason to suppose that the rifle bullet moulds nL 

accurate ones made up in tuo gun carriage manufactory in 1852, and sn^e S te 
that a few balls should be cast from each of these moulds and tried fr the 
same . time with the ammunition in store and if it is found thn+ fWr « 4.1. ° 

identical moulds supposed, they can be forwarded to the presidency and as 
many baHs cost from them for the present service, as time will admit 

Adds that there are upwards of three lakhs of rifle balls in the Grand 
Arsenal cast from ordinary moulds, before the new moulds were made and that 

whatever exertion may be made, it will be requisite to use at least a portion of 
these bails on the present occasion. portion ot 

From the Commandant of Artillery, to the Adjutant General, dated 14th October 1856. 
States that 3 of the second wagons with No 3 Lio-hf Tfiold 1?.,++ * , 

only of an obsolete pattern, hut Je too old to lepton servte 'S ZZt 
manufacture is obliterated but the initials show that they were made bv r!? 

Zy SS M 0t ***** ”°‘ Wi ”- be “ “* ds »»<* 1831 

Adds that the whole of the rest of No. 3 Lis-ht TS'eM T?offA,.„ 
are oi the Indian pattern, of which there are four in the Arseni C fI™£T.! 


Committee assembled to inspect 
- ■> arrange for provid 
equipment of accoutrements to the extent c 
lg C °““iander-in-Chiefs intention to com 
•ength of 750 privates and to 800 if possible 
ve Infantry were armed with the 2 groove m 
a- a belted ball. ° 












’ V. ' ■" ■■ ; ■ " ^ ^ ' .' \ 

' ' 278 

*■ ' 

belonging to Major Blake's trob-p, recommends that three of these be given in 
exchange for the old ones. 

N o, 1264, dated 31st October 1856, from the Inspector General of Ordnance and Magazines, to 

the Adjutant General. 

Intimates that 41 Fuzik and 667 muskets were issued to the 1st fusiliers 
on 15th February and that the Commissary of Ordnance Karachi has been 
instructed to take measures for completing the 1st Fusiliers with a new equip- 
ment of arms. 

Points out that the equipment of the 2nd European Regiment Light- 
Infantry if effected throughout, may interfere with the complete arming of the 
Fusiliers. Therefore suggests that instructions be sent to the Commanding 
Officer of the 2nd Regiment to make over to the Fusiliers any number of the 
new arms that may be required, taking them from the companies of his regi- 
ment which are not to proceed on service. 

Adds that 50 new percussion fuzik and 500 new muskets are under pre- 
paration for despatch from the presidency to Karachi, to supply deficiencies 
if any exist. 

From the Inspector General of Ordnance to the Adjutant General, No. 1365, dated 6th 

November 1856. 

States that the 61 rifles rejected by the 4th Native Infantry, although not 
strictly speaking “ new , 99 were perfectly serviceable; and that the Principal 
Commissary of Ordnance considered he was best consulting the public inter- 
ests in sending them. 

Adds that these 61 rifles were issued afterwards to the Sappers and 
Miners, and were readily accepted by them. 

From the Military Department, to the Adjutant General, No. 3544, dated 11th November 1856- 
Sanctions the purchase of four of Jacobis Rifles complete, with a supply 
of iron pointed balls and shells; the rifles to he placed at the disposal of 
Major-General Stalker, c.b. 

Supplementary Return of Ordnance found in the Fortress of Bush ire, after its surrender 

on 10th December 1856. 


Description. 


Calibre or I 

weight or Length, 
ball. j 


59 

Brass Gun. 

Fers. Fus. 

Persian. 

Enlarged. 

18 pounder. 

410 


60 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Good. 

12 pounder. 

6’2 

With dolphins slightly scored. 
Has a good elevating screw. 

61 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

62 

With dolphins honeycombed. 

'62 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

| Ditto. 

Ditto 

Ditto. 

6’2 

Metal spongy with dolphins. 

63 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto, 

6'2 


'64 

Ditto. 

[ Ditto, 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

18 feet. 

4*10 

Honeycombed. 

65 

■ Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 

9 feet. 

6*0 

Threaded at the muzzle. 

66 

Iron gun. 

No marks. 


Bad. 

1,8 feet. 

7*6 

I Mounted on garrison carriages 

67 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 


Ditto. 

1 Ditto. 

6*6 

J is a ravelin gun pointed to 
j the outside of the gate to def- 
! end its entrance. 

68 

Ditto. 

Ditto. 


Ditto. 

Ditto. 

6*6 

69 

.Ditto, 

Ditto. 

... ... 

Ditto. 

Ditto, 

6*6 



■■.... • 



Prom Captain Rpnimore, Field Commissary of Ordnance, to the Brigade-Major of Artillery 
T n ^. ers r ^P^itiomuy Force, No. 31, dated lltli December 1856 

in tL f ! TIT 1 10 f J °! Ward a of the guns and carriages found 

in the fort of Bushire, and to report for Colonel Trevelyan’s information, that 
the whole are unserviceable with the exception of one 5| inch mortar. I mean 

T, i ri - leS , o£ ou f Se F vic , e > f^hongh many might be used as guns of 
position. The o k inch mortar is of thinner metal than those used by us. The 
bores of all the ordnance are enlarged and scored, this may be attributable to 

taS to wSaa e boS bTSn™ ’ ^ Cb ’" S '" to tte si “‘ “■* 

i %SS & SRC S “° l the “ ?™ «M i. a semi-circle r„„nd 

3, 12-pounder gun-brass. entrance g’afce, and two of them I found loaded with 
i, 9-pounder „ „ grape shot, these I fancy must have been the suns 

• ’ + r P ° J ” ” , 7 h , lch ™ eve on th , e ^oubt and in the battery adfoin- 

our arrivEd & ° nt ° f tie £ ° lfc ’ and were on ^ remove d therefrom shortly before 

Ten were in position on some raised open ground near the Governor’s house 
most of these were loaded. e nouse 

Three were placed in a strong passive battery at a corner of the fortress 
near the residency, these appear to have been recently fired from. ~ 3 

. ^ ler ® are large quantities of ammunition in boxes near all the suns. I also 
0 i Un f a lar ? e quality m the battery adjoining the sea face of the fort (from 
vhich the guns had been removed) the whole of which on the withdrawal S 
die detachment of the troops therefrom, 1 had destroyed. In many of the 
imber boxes were tubes for firing the guns, 1 hear that a complete troop of 

dorse Artilleiy and other guns le,t the fortress just immediately before^ur 
;roons arru,wi m trnnf, nf it. J uur 


Bemarks. 


~ . i i ? r > iilvuu ^ u ^veiling ueld earn- 

. timber fitted with a limber box to contain about 30 rounds of 

on. One gun was taken with three horses, harness, &c complete 
images are of block trail construction, the checks of one require to be 

>en rounds of ammunition and some food were in the limber boxes 
s the above were 262 rounds of gun ammunition, which I destroyed 
ang the bivouac on Sunday evening. The mules eight in number 
•led it, I have brought into camp. 

350 stand of arms, and I think fully treble that number must have 
i by camp followers and others. 

m was spiked by our Horse Artillery, as they had to leave it when 
on m pursuit. I have since removed the spike. 

(Sd.) J. K. FINNIMOBE, Captain, 

Field Commissary of Ordnance) Persian Expeditionary Field Force. 


Description. 

Marks. 

Vent. 

Calibre or 
weight 
of ball. 

Length. 

n 1 

Bore. 

Brass gun 

Persian 

Good 

9-pounder 

0 feet 

4*2 

Do. i 

Inscription 

Spiked 

9-pounder 

6 feet 

4*2 


280 



Keturn of Ordnance stores found in the enemy's entrenched position at Borasjan on tie 

5th instant. 

Bivouac E'hushab, 8th February 1857. 


How disposed of. 


Description, 


Cartridges broken up and exploded in the mine, 
7th instant. Shot scattered. 

( 15,000 broken up and balls brought on by Ord- 
< nance Depdrtment,*remainder destroyed by 
t mine, 7th instant. 

Given to the troops. 

Exploded by the mine, 7th instant. 


Gan cartridges attached to 12*6-3, and 2§ per 
shot., 


Musket ball cartridges 


Casks of Suits (English) 
Fuzes 


Quick Match 
Slow Matches yards 
Portfires ... 

Tubes for priming 
Trumpets ... 

Drum ... 


Given to the Troops, 


( Given to the troops part were, brought away the 
( remainder destroyed. 

Given to the Troops.for' fire wood. 

Destroyed by the mines^yth instant. 


Tents 


Wheels 


Sulphur 

Indigo 

Saltpetre 


Charcoal 

Hope 

Dragrope 

Wood 


Given to the troops'for cooking. 
Destroyed by the.niines, on 7th. instant. 


Given to the troops foricooking. 

Scattered. 

Burst and destroyed. 

Brought into carnplby' Ordnance Department. 


Loose shot 


Loose shell 


Brass Naire boxes 
Gunpowder lbs. 


Exploded*in the mines, 7th instant. 
Distributed to Batteries and. Troops, 
Destroyed'by thejmines,.7th instant. 


Bed Orpimeal 


* Cartridges and powder. Exploded in the mines. Amount together to about 40,000 lbs. 


(S3 .) J. M. FINNIMORE, Captain, 

Field Commissary of Ordnance, 



From the Commissary of Ordnance, Persian Expeditionary Force, to the Inspector General 
of Ordnance, Bombay, No. 131 of 2Srd February 1857. 

Forwards indents for harness for No. 2 Light Field Battery and 4th 
Troop B, H. A : 

4tb Troon f Harness fading double seats ... 16 

i ’** *’.* c Harness wheel „ „ ... 8 

r Harness leading double sets ... 29 

No. 2 Light Field Battery and S „ wheel „ „ ... 9 

for stores. ) Harness leading double sets ... 20 

C „ wheel „ ... 10 

States that on the arrival of the 4th Troop there will he with the force % 
six- pounder and 3 nine-pounder batteries. Recommends despatch of reserve 
battery of either calibre from Bombay to replace casualties. Also*requests to 
be supplied with sponges and handspikes for the paptured guns, also twenty- 
sets of arms and accoutrements for men of every arm to replace losses. 

. — - . 

No. 120 of 14th March 1857, from Commandant of Artillery, to the Inspector General of 

Ordnance. 

Requests that orders may be sent to the Ordnance Department at Bhuj to 
modify the store carts of No. 8 Light Field Battery for Horse draught in the 
same way as those for No. 2 Light Field Battery were by the gun carriage 
department. 

No. 1873, dated 18th March 1857, from the Inspector General of Ordnance, to the Military 

Department. 


I beg to state that on the 10th instant I received a letter direct from Cap- 
tain Finnimore, and that I proceeded at once to issue such orders as appeared 
to me to be necessary, intimating to that officer my views on each of his 
requisitions and the measures which had been directed. 

The full foreign establishment of harness for the 4th Troop Horse Artillery 
has been shipped from Karachi, and a similar establishment for No. 2 Light 
Field Battery from Bombay, and a proportion of harness for reserve and store 
has been transmitted or is now under despatch with the Ordnance Park of the 
second division. 

1 regret to say that a reserve Field Battery could not well be spared from 
the Grand Arsenal at the present time, and it does not appear to me to be requi- 
site to supply one for store at Bushire. The provision of spare axle trees, 
wheels, half wrought*, &e., with the park of each division lias been liberal, and 
it is now very probable that the spare or reserve wagons of each battery will 
be left behind in case of an advance into the interior, and the spare ammuni- 
tion conveyed on pack cattle ; a measure which will greatly reduce the number 
of carriages on the line of march. 

An additional supply of sponges and handspikes has been ordered. 

Buff hides, musketry, stocks, lock furniture, spare ramrods, and spare 
bayonets have been ordered for the Ordnance Park of the second division, but 
agreeably to Captain Finnimore" s request, I have directed the despatch of twenty 
stands of arms, and as many sets of accoutrements for each arm of the force. 

The 1 2-pounder brass field piece having long been disused in the Indian 
service, there are no carriages in store for that gun, and there are no spare car- 
riages at present available for the 9-pounder field gun. *1 have therefore 
recommended Captain Finnimore to continue to fit up the captured guns in 
the best manner that his resources will admit. 


■ Re 




iipiliPlippiil lil 

■: ' ^ - ■'.•■;■ 

gtlisaifM 

.v !S*#|p^l i l - ■ ’■ 


Beturn showing the number and description of Ordnance stores abandoned by the enemy at 

Muhammerah on 16th instant. 


Description. 


1 12-pounder Brass gun, Russian 


1 12-pounder ,, „ 1 

VI VT|*Hmnder ',>■ 

1 * 

1 9-pounder „ 

X 9-pounder ,, 

1 9-pounder „ 

4 Brass Guns 6-pounders 


1 8-inch Brass Mortar 


2 9-pounder iron guns 


2 6-pounder 


132 Tents of different sizes 


16 J Gun wheels (spare) 


13 Gun axletrees 


Some old iron work for guns 


Some incomplete sets of harness 
100 Cartridges attached to shot and shelf ... 


300 Boses containing 36,000 of fixed or gun 
ammunition 3,600 loose shot or shell 


Requires houching. 


In good order. 


h Spiked. 


In good order. 


Taken hy the navy from Southern Port, 


Calibre not known being buried in the mud, but ap- 
parently 18-pounders, 


ITnservieeable mounted of platform cart. 


There are old ship eammaders and are mounted on ship 
truck carriages, apparently made here. They are unser- 
viceable. 


30 of these were found in the Upper or Khanber Meerza 
Camp, 80 in the Lower or Ebrahim MirzabdCamp, 22 in 
the Camp of the Northern battery. They have all beep 
distributed among the troops. 


Y Found in the enemy’s Magazine. 


and 14,400 fb of powder. 


1,000 Loose shot or shell 


144,000 Powder 


... These are being collected and brought in. 


Destroyed by explosion. 


... Captured, 



J. M. FINNIMORE, Captain, 

Meld Commissary of Ordnance. 





283 

and description of the Ordnance oaptnred daring the Persian 




I- ex era, 


Calibre < 
weight 
of ball. 


■Description. 


Where 

Manufactured. 


Maries, 


Inches* 


SmMre, 


' Brass Cun 


I E„ I. C. 1805... 
Persian Inscrip* 


England 

Persia 


12-pounder 


No mark 


Mortar. 


8-inch 


Erased 


No mark 


Persia 


’sian Inscrip* 


No mark 


Foreign, Europi 


Erased 


England 


5-inch 


No marks 


18-pounder 


Bhmhdh, 


Persian Inserip* 



Return stowing the number and description of the Ordnance captured during the Per; 

War— *contd. 


Calibre or 
weight 
of ball. 


Description, 


Where 

Manufactured, 


Marks. 


Peet. Inches, 


Muhamtnerak, 


Brass Gun 


Russian - . and ' ' ' Russia" 
Persian Ins- 
eription, 

» : Persia 


14-pounder 


England 

Persia 


„ Mortar 
Iron Carronade 


2 No mark 


England 


Descri ption not stated, 



APPENDIX N. 

Abstract or Correspondence relating to the Return of the Troops to* 

India. 

No. 2055 of 7th April 1857, from Military Department, to the Quarter Master General. 

States that orders have been received from England under which it is 
necessary to suspend for the present, the despatch of any more troops or 
followers to Persia, but there is to be no relaxation in the endeavour to 
supply the troops now in Persia or on the voyage with everything needful for 
their support during the next few months. Intimates that the ponies, &c.,. 
collected for transport should be at once sold off, and the followers who are 
still in India discharged, compensation being paid if necessary. 

No. 110 of 4th May 1857, from Lieutenant-General Outram, to the Military 

Department. 

Intimates that, availing hitnself of a discretionary power granted by Got- 
eminent, he proposes to send back to India, as soon as he receives due- 
notice of the ratification of the Treaty of Peace, the whole of the European 
Infantry and a portion of the European Artillery and Madras Sappers. The 
remaining troops he proposes forming into one division and locating it at 
Bushire. 

Adds that as the 64th Foot is destined for Belgaum, and as there would 
he great difficulty in landing them at Vingorla if longer delayed, he intends 
despatching the regiment as soon as the men can he embarked in the Earl 
of Clare, Bride of the Seas, and the H. C/s Steam Frigate Punjab. 

Extract No. 15-Q. of 4th May 1857, from Chief of the Staff, to the Quarter Master 

General, Bombay. , ■ 

States that the Lieutenant-General Commanding has decided on sending- 
back the Light Battalion in preference to any other native infantry regfl 
ment in consequence of the many regiments now in India which he con- 
ceives must be inconvenienced to a certain degree by the removal of their flank 
companies, also in consequence of the large number of European officers present 

— ,1. .. — -..TJ ll - * 1 j. . ii , - , ..... 


Telegraphic Message from the Governor General to Lord Elphinstone, dated 26th 

May 1857. 

Tell_ Sir James Outram by the earliest opportunity that I have received 
his official despatch of the 2nd and his private letter of the 3rd instant*, 
that I wish him to return to India at once, and that Brigadier General Jacob 
is also to return to Sind without delay. 

Every good man must he at his post. Probably Brigadier Hale or Bri- 
gadier Honner should command at Bushire, hut you will determine this. 

The duty of the force at Bushire will be simply to bold its ground should 
any new difference arise with Persia. 



No. 31A., dated Camp Muharnmerali, 

Expeditionary Force , i 

In reporting to you the departure this day 
bound for Bombay of the B Company Sappers and Miners. I 
Lieutenant-General Sir James Qutn J ‘ *' - 

been exemplary since they joined this for 

most, efficient service on the expedition against MuWJSraT 
occupation, ? 

2. The peculiar features t“ 
auti tue skill and wonderful rapidity, and cheerful 
striicted roads through the extensive date grove 
piers for disembarking troops and stores from 
river, were tlie admiration of the whole army. 

3. I am commanded to request you will b 

Excellency Lieutenant-General Sir Patrick Ui 

ram appreciation of the services performed by the Sappers am 
permit me to convey through you to the officer commanding (I 
Loileau) and to all ranks composing the company and an ex 
” d fceuarlt - General ’ s best thanks for the very efficient service 

(Sd.) Edward LUGARD, Brigadier General , 

: ; Chief of the Staff, P. F. F. 

F. F. Orders by Brigadier-General Jacob, c. B., Bushire, 14th May 1857. 

5. The accompanying Field Force Orders by Lieutenant-General Sir James 
Outram, dated 9th, 11th and 12th May 1857, consequent on the cessation of 
hostilities and organising the troops to he stationed at Bushire, are published. 

b. Consequent on the arrangements above ordered for the troops remain- 
lngm Persia, Lieutenant-Colonel Younghusband, D.A. G. of the Expeditionary 
Persian bield force, returns to his appointment in India, and Brigadier General 
John Jacob thinks the present to he a fitting occasion to express to this excel- 
lent Officer his grateful thanks for the hearty and most efficient aid which he 
has while m command of the troops at Bushire, invariably received from him. 

the experience, method, and readiness which this officer so eminently nos- 
sesses have been applied to the performance of the important duties entrusted 
to him with a cordial and untiring zeal which has made them doubly effective ■ 
and the Brigadier General feels it to be no less a gratification than a duty, now 
publicly to record his high estimation of the value of the services of Lieutennnt- 
Lolouel Younghusband as D. A. G. of the Field Force. 


13th May 1857, from Chief of the Staff, Persian 

to the Adjutant General, Madras. 

in the transport Hiberian 
, . ~ ~ , , , - am instructed by 

tram to state that the conduct of the men has 
rce, and that they have rendered the 
, and during its 

of the country afforded them ample employment, 
1 alacrity with which they con - 
bridged the canals, and formed 
he vessels on the Shat-uLArab 


now xne Adjutant General, to the Military Department, No. 305, dated 28th May 1857. 

M xth reference to the foregoing order points out that the force proposed to 
be left in 1 tout is much m excess of requirements, remarks as follows : 

lhe Cavalry Brigade may be stated in round numbers at 1,770 sabres : the' 

S ?2dT h T? T l t 'I OCOrn!,anies of Kuropeans/ and a company 
Fnmnit d 1 5 att ?. elied to four Batteries of 6 guns each, together with a 
Luiope&n and a. native company in reserve. 

five , 1 ' e §' iments o£ Nat; ve Infantry including the 
2nd Baluch Regiment, but exclusive of two companies of Sappers and Miners 

t (ffiiiiSS te-Si.?'? 8 ? 1." Rising . tore superior m 





Sfc»Sfi?aM!«8«K 


237 


Adds that the Commander-in-Chief desires to record his opinion that this 
force may be very greatly decreased, and would urge upon the attention of 
Government, the objection winch exists against retaining in such a climate a 
valuable Dody of European Artillery which must become disorganised by the 
^reat heat, and be lost to the service, while the native troops must suffer in 
■proportion. 

In conclusion His Excellency hopes that his views may meet with the con- 
currence of the Government owing to the present exigency. 








No. 308e>, dated 2nd June 1857, from the Military Department, to Lieutenant-General Outram. 

Communicates the above pinion of His Excellency the Commander-in- 
Chief, endorsed by the Right Honourable the Governor in Council, and stromWv 
urges the necessity of a portion at least of the force being sent to India where 
troops, especially Europeans, are most urgently needed. • 

Kardch/ r0 ° PS eXeBpt the Sind IIorse to be seI »t to Bombay rather than to 

1'rom Sir J. Outram, to the Military Department, No. 133, dated Bushire, 16th June 1857. 

In reply to the above states that he is aware of the necessity which exists 
for troops, and that he has already despatched one troop of European and one 

4 tU Troop Horse e °™P» n y of Native Artillery with their batteries 
Artillery attached and a re^rve Company of European Artillery 

Hattalion. COmPaH ^ ^l^H ^ ^ ^ Fdnah H ° rS6 are ab out to 

Battalion. roints out however, that the present crisis in India 

,, , ,, . ma y tempt the Persians to renew hostilities, and rather 

orn f d n e i tlle S'f rrl ‘ on . p B uslnre, be would advise withdrawing it altoo-ether 
and establishing the resident at Kharaj with a garrison of one regiment of 
Native Infantry and one Golundauze Foot Battery (or even half that WeTwith 
the aid of a sloop of war and armed steamer. 

furtheT DOt thlUk ^ prud<Jnt £of above reasons, to reduce the force any 



Eg 






A l * . UJ 

j t&w : */\? j 

l<rom Lieutenant-General Sir J. Outram, e.c.b., to the Adjutant General, Bombay, No 40 A 

dated Bushire, 16th June 1857. J ’ 

States his intention of leaving Bushire on even i no- of 17 th 
Bombay, calling at Karachi accompanied by Brigadier General JmCd MaS 

s\S' P Offioe ymaSte i ,an ? Captain Harvey, Acting Private Secret^ 

Staff Officers amved in India m May and June 1857, and subseauentlv 

they* rejoined their former appointments. m suosequentiy 

Extracts from a despatch, addressed by the Hon’ble C. A. Murray c b to T,; m f,n,„t n 
eral Sir J. Outram, e.c.b., dated Baghdad 6th May 1857 

t ■i Far ! 1 ' 2 ; „ As J have , before had the honor of suggesting to you the mob 
ability that Her Majesty s Government will deem it necessary to^send a Com" 
missioner, one or more to Herat, to see that the conditions oTthe tSS 
regarding it are properly carried out, and;as it is obviously advisable that such 
Commissioner, or Commissioners should be of the Military 


1 Tr>' , -1 


888 


* *’ ' ri 




! you will be ajile to send up to me here ; without delay such Officers as you 
think competent for that service, and for incidental purposes connected 
l it. 

C understand that several Officers have expressed a wish to accompany me 
ry return to Tehran, and as a complimentary mission from Prince Barial- 
y, consisting of 16 or 3 7 military men, lately entered that city, it could 
excite observation and remark, if I were to be attended by one half of 
number. Those who are not destined for service at Herat, might collect 
id near Tehran, useful information for the Indian Government, and 
ht then return by different routes, each keeping a journal describing aceu- 
y the distances and difficulties of the road, as well as the nature and 
irees of the neighbouring localities. 

If you coincide with these views, I hope you will send up to Baghdad, as 
as possible, the officers selected, together with the tents and other articles 
ih may be requisite for their travelling equipage, for owing to the daily 
casing heat to which we shall be exposed on the journey, I ought to move 
mission northward as soon as may be practicable after the arrival of the 
?er who brings the letters from the Persian Government which are indi- 
i in the treaty of peace. 


I 


No. 33 A, dated Baghdad, 27th May 1857, from Lieutenant-General Sir J. Outran), to the 

Adjutant General, Bombay. 

Reports that on a requisition from the IIonTde C. A. Murray, c.b., he 
has attached the following Officers to the Persian mission with a view to their 
accompanying it to Tehran ; 

Captain M. Green ... ... 16th Kegiment Native Infantry, Militay Secre- 

tary. 

»* M. Wray ... ... Deputy Quarter Master General. 

Lieutenant C. Clerk.., ... Madras Cavalry. 

„ Hardy ... ... Artillery. 

» Watson ... 2nd European Light Infantry. 

» Willoughby ... 10th Native Infantry. 

Assistant Surgeon Wood. 

Intimates that should the Home Government concur in the advisability 
of the measure, Captain M. Green and Lieutenant Clerk are to proceed on to 
Herat with Major Taylor, 1 8th Regiment Native Infantry, as joint Commis- 
sioner (with Dr. V ood as medical attendant) to see that the conditions of the 
treaty regarding it are properly carried out, and that the other Officers are to 
return by different routes as Mr. Murray may be able to arrange, each keeping a 
journal describing accurately the road, and collecting such information as may 
hereafter prove useful to the Indian Government. 


F. F. Orders, dated Baghdad 30th May, 1857. 

tt se P ic ® s of the £°W°wing Officer are placed at the disposal of the 

Hon ble C. A. Murray, _ c.b., Envoy extraordinary and minister plenipoten- 
tiary at the court of Persia, for special duty as extra attache to Her Majesty’s 
mission, from the 1st proximo, without prejudice to his present appointment 
in the Expeditionary Field Poree :-Major R. L, Taylor, 1 8th Regiment 
Native Infantry, Political Secretary and Persian Interpreter to Sir James 






Ho. 38/5, dated 22nd July 1857, from the Quarter Master General, to the Gen 

Agentv.'Bombay.-; 

States that the withdrawal of the British Forces from Per 
resolved upon and that orders go by first steamer to General Jacol 
a native regiment and if he thinks fit a company of Goiundai 
horsed battery for the occupation of Kharaj. 

Intimates that the troops to return are— 

Two companies European Artillery, 2 companies Sappers, 
Cavalry, Sind Horse, 4th Native Infantry (Rides), 20 th Nat in 
26th Native Infantry. Land Transport Corps, and that they are 
Bombay en route to the Pfina-h Division, also that it is of the utmost 
that the Artillery and Cavalry arri ve first and it has been so orcfere 
Requests that as much European camp equipage as possible tm 
as there are not enough tents for the reinforcements expected fror 
and that the probable length of the voyage may be named as a o 
naval officer who conducts the transport duty at Bushire, as ir 
have been lost from want of enough water and forage lor thi 
India* Q 


ueral Transport 


Field Force; 'Orders, •• Head Quarters, Camp - 
General Jacob, C.B., Commanding Pern 

1. Captain Lightfoot with the 
maud will proceed 
The present a: 

Kharaj, together 


bi shire, Saturday, 1st August 1857, by Brigadier 
u Expeditionary force, Evacuation of Bush ire. 

company of Golundauze under his com. 
d to Kharaj to form part of the garrison of that place, 
rrnament of the camp redoubt is to ho removed wholly to 
. , . ■ ^dt-h all the ammunition and stores belonging to the piece* 

forming the armament now in the ordnance stores at Bushire. ° 

: ' 2. The 2Srd Native Infantry will be held in readiness to embark foj 

the Island of Kharaj to form with the company of Golundauze above mentioned 
the garrison of that place. ; 

Brigadier Homier, under instructions from His Excellence the Commander- 
in- Chief and Government, is appointed to command at Kharaj as Brio-adiej 





pr °“' a “* w “ d “ onM “ d “™ me ““ “■»- 

. ® r] 8'f di ® r 1 ■^ onner ^ requested at onee to send in the name of an Officer 

he would wish to recommend to be his Major of Brio-ade. 

,. 0^ tbe arrival of the 23rd Regiment Native Light Infantry at Kharai 

onceto BihSe! ° f ^ ^ ^ Eegiment now on tbe Island if to return It 

. 3 - The Commanding Engineerwill be good enough to cause lines hospitals, 
&c., to be erected at Kharaj for the accommodation of the garrison and an 

Wlth - a Pr ° Per establisbment wiH be placed on the island 
as a part of its garrison. 

irw' . The A jf staat Commissary General will be good enough to detach to 
haraj an officer of his department with an adequate establishment, and to 

s p rr”i»d g * mson for “ kast “ n, “ ths > to l* 

P «I WE ° rm ‘° le S “‘ “> KMra i 

Thirty pairs of draught bullocks are also to be posted on the island, 
complete with drivers, yokes, chains, &c., for the purpose of enabling the guns 
to be removed if necessary. & & 


Field Force Orders, 3rd August 1857. 


The following arrangements are ordered for the garrison of Kharai. 

To be attached to the Artillery under Captain Lightfoot : 

| iiSS- ? ^ 1 £££** 

2 Hammermen. 

2 Bellows boys. 

The Commissariat Department to arrange for the supply of rations, porter 
and arrack, to the two Europeans at Kharaj. r 

The Assistant Commissary General will he pleased to store a sufficiency 

of hay and grain on the island for the supply of twenty officer's horses for six 
months, in addition to that stored for government cattle. 


Field Force Orders, 4th August 1857. 

° n withdrawal of the British Forces from Busliire, the Political 
Resident Captain Jones, will be the chief civil and political authority in the 
Persian Gulf, and on the departure of the Brigadier General, the Brigadier 
Commanding at Kharaj is accordingly directed to attend and comply with all 
requisitions and instructions which he may receive from the Evident. 

Captain -Rigby, at present Superintendent of Police and Bazars in tbe 
Town of Bushire, will on tbe evacuation of that place by tbe British, proceed 
to Kharaj and remain there on the staff of the Brigadier Commanding as 
Persian Interpieter and Superintendent of Bazars and Police on the island. 


Letter from Brigadier-General J. Jacob/c.B., to the Secretary to the Government of 
Bombay, dated 4th Augnst 1857. 

hS LaS °t U n e f EMra i to be occupied by the 23rd Native 
Infantry and a company of Golundauze, and has placed the garrison of the island 
mnder the command of Brigadier Honner. Forwards copies of the orders- 











ismieS on the subject which will show all details,, and which he trusts will be 
approved of and confirmed by government, and states that the company 
Golnndauze had no battery belonging to it, and he has not a single field piece 
of any kind with the troop under his command, with the exception of those 
of the two European field batteries. 

States that he has therefore transferred to Kharaj the armament of the 
2 8" iron howitzers. only redoubt which he had retained for the defence' 

2 18 pounder guns. of the position at Bushire, which armament consists 

2 5| iron mortars. o£ the pieces detailed in the margin. 

Intimates that these guns -have been embarked and were despatched id 
Kharaj on 3rd instant with 250 rounds of ammunition per gun, with platforms 
and the usual stores, and such establishment as he thought necessary to com- 
plete^ and begs to call the attention of Government to the admirable manner 
in which the duty of removing and embarking this heavy battery has been per- 
formed by Captain Lightfoot and his company of Golundauze. 

States that he has ordered provisions for least six months to be stored 
on the island for the use of the garrison, and that building materials had 
already been sent there (in anticipation of shelter being required) to be erect* 
ed for troops, and that an Engineer officer with a proper establishment of 
artificers and laborers has now proceeded to the island to complete the work. 

Beports that Captain Hatch's battery has been embarked on the Sultana 
and will leave on the 8th, towed by the steamer Chusan to the mouth of the 
Gulf, whence the transport will proceed to Bombay, and the steamer to Ka- 
rachi, conveying orders for the Head Quarters of the Sind Irregular Horse to 
proceed without delay to Bombay, 

States that a Division of Captain Gibbon's battery will also he embarked 
on the Result ; and proceed to Bombay immediately and adds that after the depar- 
ture of these vessels there will not be sufficient tonnage for the remaining 
troops, stores, forage, &e., &c., and requests that a large number of transports 
may be sent for this purpose. 


From the Military Department, to the Adjutant General, No. 4546, dated 15th August 1857. 

States that by General Order No. 40852, of 8th ultimo, issued by desire of 
General Outrarn, the undermentioned officers were withdrawn from special 
duty with the Persian mission : 

Captain J. Wray. | Lieutenant R. G. Watson. 

„ M. Green, 


E. Willoughby. 


Field Force Orders by Brigadier-General John Jacob, C.E., Commanding Persian Expedi- 
tionary Force, dated Bushife, 1st October 1857. 

No. 1. The Brigadier General is about to embark to-day to proceed to 
India. Bushire has been restored to the Persian Government, and after the 
departure of Brigadier General Jacob, Captain Jones, political resident, &c., 
will become the chief British authority in the Persian Gulf, 

Brigadier Bonner will remain in command of the garrison of Kharaj and 
will communicate on military subjects generally with army head quarters. 
With respect to all political, civil and local proceedings he will be guided by 
the instructions and information which he may receive from the political 
resident. 

Captain Taylor of the Corps will remain at Bushire until 

the camels belonging to the corps shall have been sold ; when these animals* 









|! t ; 




11 ::-:;.'; 




have been disposed of lie will proceed to Kharaj, thereto superintend the 
embarkation of tbe cattle belonging to the Land Transport Corps now on that 
island which are to be sent to Bombay. On the completion of this duty 
Captain Taylor with his establishment will proceed to the presidency by the 
first convenient opportunity. 

Captain Dunstexville, Superintendent of Police will embark for India with 
the Brigadier General. 

lilllltllllllllfi'i ' I ■ : U ffifj :; 0 : '■ 

Despatch dated 2nd October 1857 from General Jacob, to Lord Clarendon. 

I have the honor to report for Your Lordship’s information that the last 
portion of the Persian Expeditionary Force under my command remaining at 
Bush ire has embarked this day, and that I am now myself on the point of 
departure with these troops en route to Bombay. 

On the &ith September I addressed a letter to the Persian Commander- 
in-Chief requesting him to direct proper officers to proceed to Bushire to 
receive charge of the place on its evacuation by the British forces, and accord- 
ingly on the first instant a Persian officer of rank, by name Khanler Khan, 
deputed for the purpose, arrived and was placed in possession of the town of 
Bushire ai\ behalf of His Majesty the Shah of Persia. 

* * * ■ * * * 

The troops both at Bushire and at Kharaj have continued .to be wonder*, 
fully healthy. 

Tiie inhabitants of the town of Bushire have lately been considerably 
alarmed at the approach of the cholera which has been prevalent at Shiraz, 
and from which the people of Bihbahan, Kazran and other places nearer to 
Bushire are now reported to be still suffering severely. 

No cases of the disease have however appeared here, and it does not appear 
to have approached Bushire nearer than to the town of B or as j an, at which 
place many deaths are reported to be taking place from this disease. 

Nothing could have been more satisfactory than has been the conduct of 
the Persian authorities, without any exception, throughout the whole of the 
business of the evacuation of Bushire, &e., now brought to a close. 

Wheresoever their aid has been required they have afforded it most 
readily and cordially, while there has not been a single instance of the 
least attempt at plundering or annoyance of any kind, on the part of the 
neighbouring tribes, or of any person whatever. 

The people of the country and of the hills adjoining the Gann sir have 
been perfectly well disposed towards us; laborers and such supplies as 
the country afforded have been abundantly procurable. There has not been 
the slightest quarrel or disturbance of any kind. 

Indeed nothing could have been more friendly than has been the conduct 
of all parties towards us on the occasion of our departure from this country* 
which all alike seem deeply to regret.. • 



mrnrnmm